Pellet furnace heating apparatus

Abstract

A pellet furnace heating apparatus for burning a solid fuel, which pellet furnace heating apparatus in one embodiment includes an enclosure which houses a furnace. A furnace air blower is provided in air communication with the furnace for blowing the burning fuel and increasing heat in the furnace. A hopper is provided for containing the solid fuel, and a fuel delivery mechanism connects the hopper and the furnace for delivering the solid fuel to the furnace. In another embodiment, the pellet furnace heating apparatus includes a burner having a pilot housing and a combustion housing. A fuel delivery mechanism connects a hopper containing the solid fuel with the combustion housing of the burner for delivering the solid fuel to the burner. A furnace air blower is provided in air communication with the pilot housing of the burner for blowing the burning fuel and increasing the heat in the burner.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a heating apparatus operated by combustible pellets and more particularly, to a pellet lace heating apparatus which utilizes combustible pelletized fuel such as wood pellets, corn and the like, as fuel. In one embodiment, the pellet furnace heating apparatus includes an enclosure and a furnace provided in the enclosure. A furnace air blower is adapted for blowing the burning fuel and increasing heat in the furnace. A hopper contain the solid fuel is connected to the furnace by means of a fuel delivery mechanism, which delivers the solid fuel from the hopper to the furnace. In another embodiment, the pellet furnace heating apparatus includes a burner having a combustion housing provided on a pilot housing, and a fuel delivery mechanism delivers solid fuel contained in a hopper to the combustion housing of the burner. A furnace air blower increases the heat of the burner by blowing air on the burning fuel.

[0004] Conventional fireplaces burn cords of wood to generate heat. In mild southern winters, a house of approzimately 2600 square feet in size uses about two cords of wood (the dimensions of a cord of wood are 4′×4′×8′), which will maintain a comfortable room temperature of approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit at an annual cost of about $480.00. In contrast, the pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention is capable of burning a smaller quantity of wood (about 2000 lbs.) in the form of wood pellets to maintain the same size house at a comparable temperature. The quantity of fuel costs between the two systems represents about {fraction (2/3)} in savings if a wood pellet system is used. Accordingly, the pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention will utilize approximately a ton of wood pellets, which costs $165.00 per ton (a {fraction (2/3)} savings over regular wood), during a typical southern winter, and maintain an average room temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0005] The efficiency of the pellet furnace heating apparatus is due to a higher heat yield between a regular and a modified fireplace. A conventional fireplace maintains an approximate temperature of between 400 degrees to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in the firebox, and about 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit leaves the firebox through a 10″ flue pipe. Thus, conventional fireplaces retain about 200 degrees Fahrenheit, or about {fraction (1/3)} of the heat produced, to heat a house. In contrast, the pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention is capable of retaining about 500 degrees Fahrenheit to heat the house since the apparatus generates about 700 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit in the firebox and about 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit leaves the firebox through the system's 4″ exhaust pipe. The reason behind the higher efficiency in the modified fireplace is multifold. One is the fact that regular wood has more impurities, such as water, which reduces the quantity of heat produced, than wood pellets. Another reason is the design of the firebox in the apparatus, which allows for a more efficient way to burn the wood pellets. In addition, the apparatus of this invention is a better heat exchanger than conventional fireplaces.

[0006] The pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention has many environmental advantages over conventional fireplaces. The apparatus of the invention emits little, if any, smoke due to the small quantity of water and impurities in the pellets. The apparatus of this invention is characterized by an automatic feeding system which can operate unattended for up to 24 hours or longer. In contrast, conventional fireplaces require more frequent attention or the fire will burn out and heat will thus be lost from the room or rooms heated by the fire. Furthermore, the apparatus of the invention generates few ashes and thus, reduces the amount of time and effort in cleaning the firebox of the apparatus after use. Conventional fireplaces generate approximately five gallons of ashes after burning wood for twelve hours, in contrast with the apparatus of this invention, which produces about a cup of ashes which can be cleaned up using a household vacuum cleaner.

[0007] The corn-burning embodiment of the pellet furnace heating apparatus is capable of generating approximately 1200 degrees to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit and emits no visible smoke, carbon monoxide or ashes. If six pounds of corn are used per hour, the system is capable of generating about 48,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. A bushel of corn, at a cost of $2.50, will generate approximately 456,000 BTUs. The expense of operating a pellet furnace heating apparatus of the invention, using corn, is much more economical than a system which utilizes fossil fuels.

[0008] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0009] Various types of fireplaces, stoves and combinations thereof are known in the art. Typical of the fireplace stove design is U.S. Pat. No. 4,074,679, dated Feb. 21, 1978, to John F. Jensen. The fireplace stove detailed in that patent includes an outer cabinet fitted with a combustion enclosure or chamber and a grate forming a clearance space, with an ash receptacle mounted in the lower end of the combustion enclosure for burning a combustible fuel. An air end is provided in the cabinet for emitting air to be heated into the clearance space and an air outlet in the cabinet discharges heated air from the clearance to a surrounding space. U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,612, dated Jan. 29, 1980, to Clifton F. Briner et al, details a “Heat Circulating Fireplace”. The fireplace includes a heat exchanger which transfers heat from the combustion gases of the fuel to an air flow circulated through the unit. Inlet and outlet air ducts are provided on each side of the heat exchanger module to conduct air to be heated into and away from the heat exchanger. U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,315, dated Sep. 28, 1982, to Thomas A. Babbage, includes a solid fuel boiler having a facia for radiant heat to pass into a living room, while the flue hopper and ash pan are accessible from another room or from outside the structure. U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,683 dated Aug. 5, 1986, to Richard D. Craver, includes a fireplace insert which has a back wall and outwardly diverging lateral walls to provide an access opening for fuel. The insert is constructed of sheet metal and has a face plate to form a closure over the access opening. Blowers move air through the insert to exchange heat between the burning fuel and the air stream. U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,682, dated May 14, 1991, to Payson, details a “pellet Stove Mantel” with integral hopper, which mantel stores pelletized fuel in a continuous-feed hopper. The fuel may be dispensed from the mantel feed storage area into a conventional pellet-type furnace according to a selected flow rate. U.S. Pat. No. 5,331,943, dated Jul. 26, 1994, to W. H. Ko, details a “Wood Pellet Stove” which includes an enclosure, a burner, a heat exchanger, a waste gas exhaust system, a feed system, a cleaning apparatus and a control system The burner includes a seat, a container, a bottom portion, a top member, two first pillars, two second pillars and an inlet pipe. The cleaning device includes three scraper members and each of the scraper members includes a scrape plate pipe rod and a hoop element. U.S. Pat. No. 5,680,855, dated Oct. 28, 1997, to W. H. Ko, details an “Indoor Fireplace” having a base, a feeding device, a combustion chamber and a ventilation apparatus. The base includes a sliding plate provided with a feed pipe provided in communication with the combustion chamber. The ventilation apparatus includes an air drawing apparatus, an air discharging apparatus and multiple air circulation ducts.

[0010] It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved pellet furnace heating apparatus in various configurations for a variety of heating applications.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a pellet furnace heating apparatus which is capable of heating homes, offices and other structures.

[0012] Still another object of this invention is to provide a pellet furnace heating apparatus which is characterized by an enclosure; a furnace provided in the enclosure; a furnace air blower provided in air communication with the furnace; a hopper for containing the solid fuel; and a fuel delivery mechanism connecting the hopper and the furnace for delivering the solid fuel to the furnace.

[0013] A still further object of the invention is to provide a pellet furnace heating apparatus including a hopper for containing the solid fuel; a burner having a pilot housing and a combustion housing provided on the pilot housing; a fuel delivery mechanism connecting the hopper and the combustion housing of the burner for delivering the solid fuel to the burner; and a furnace air blower provided in air communication with the pilot housing of the burner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] These and other objects of the invention are provided in a pellet furnace heating apparatus for burning a solid fuel, which pellet furnace heating apparatus in one embodiment includes an enclosure which houses a furnace. A furnace air blower is provided in air communication with the furnace for blowing the burning fuel and increasing heat in the furnace. A hopper is provided for containing the solid fuel, and a fuel delivery mechanism connects the hopper and the furnace for delivering the solid fuel to the furnace. In another embodiment, the pellet furnace heating apparatus includes a burner having a pilot housing and a combustion housing. A fuel delivery mechanism connects a hopper containing the solid fuel with the combustion housing of the burner for delivering the solid fuel to the burner. A furnace air blower is provided in air communication with the pilot housing of the burner for blowing the burning fuel and increasing the heat in the burner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical fireplace with the pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention built therein and designed to direct heat from the fireplace;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pellet furnace heating apparatus and fireplace illustrated in FIG. 1, more particularly illustrating ductwork connected to the pellet furnace heating apparatus for distribution of heated air throughout a structure;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of the pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention, more particularly illustrating the apparatus enclosure, the furnace box, burner chamber, burner plate, feed augers, air purge, heat exchanger, blower compartments and typical grilles;

[0019] FIG. 3A is a perspective view, partially in section, of a typical air purge system for preventing heat transmission to the feed drop tube elements of the feed augers during operation of the pellet furnace heating apparatus;

[0020] FIG. 3B is a sectional view, taken along line 3B-3B of the air purge system illustrated in FIG. 3A;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially in section, more particularly illustrating typical essential elements of the pellet furnace heating apparatus and more particularly illustrating hopper storage areas for the pellet fuel and the location of the feed augers in the enclosure;

[0022] FIG. 4A is a perspective view, partially in section, of a typical heat exchanger for mounting on the flue pipe of the pellet furnace heating apparatus and minimizing heat loss through the flue pipe;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, more particularly illustrating the opposite side of the enclosure and a second hopper storage of pellet fuel along with a single hot air circulation blower provided in the cabinet;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a top sectional view of the pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, more particularly illustrating hot air circulation blower discharge lines extending from the hot air circulation blowers, and other details of the apparatus;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a rear sectional view of the pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, more particularly illustrating a system of baffles for baffling air distributed through the enclosure from the hot air circulation blowers into the enclosure and/or ductwork provided in a structure;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a side sectional view, taken along section lines 8-8 in FIG. 7, of a typical furnace of the pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention, more particularly illustrating baffles;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the pellet furnace heating apparatus furnace illustrated in FIG. 8, further illustrating the enclosed burner chamber and insulation, with the baffles removed for brevity;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a typical burner chamber of the portable pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 and 9, more particularly illustrating a typical furnace air blower system for furnishing combustion air to the burner chamber of the apparatus;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of the pellet furnace heating apparatus burner chamber illustrated in FIG. 10;

[0030] FIG. 12 is a top sectional view taken along section lines 12-12 in FIG. 11, of a typical shaped burner plate of the pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, more particularly illustrating an illustrative spacial orientation of combustion openings;

[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portable pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention;

[0032] FIG. 14 is a side view of the portable pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 13, more particularly illustrating a feed auger and blower system for automatically feeding pelletized fuel and air, respectively, into the burner chamber;

[0033] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the pellet ace heating apparatus;

[0034] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a burner component of the pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 15;

[0035] FIG. 17 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the burner illustrated in FIG. 16, more particularly illustrating interior components of the burner;

[0036] FIG. 18 is an inverted, perspective view of a combustion housing element of the burner illustrated in FIG. 16;

[0037] FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view of the burner;

[0038] FIG. 20 is a perspective view, partially in section, of an alternative embodiment of the pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 15, more particularly illustrating a steam generator mounted in the apparatus;

[0039] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the steam generator illustrated in FIG. 20, removed from the apparatus for clarity;

[0040] FIG. 22 is a transverse sectional view, taken along section lines 22-22 in FIG. 21, of the steam generator;

[0041] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a typical outdoor cooker, with a pellet furnace heating apparatus (not illustrated) of this invention connected to the cooker;

[0042] FIG. 24 is a front view of an air vent component on the smoking chamber of the cooker illustrated in FIG. 23;

[0043] FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view, taken along section lines 25-25 in FIG. 23, of the cooker;

[0044] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention, connected to the cooker of FIG. 23 for heating the cooker;

[0045] FIG. 27 is a sectional view, taken along section lines 27-27 in FIG. 26, of the pellet furnace heating apparatus and cooker illustrated in FIG. 26;

[0046] FIG. 28 is a side perspective view of a portable embodiment of the pellet furnace heating apparatus;

[0047] FIG. 29 is a sectional view, taken along section lines 29-29 in FIG. 28, of the pellet furnace heating apparatus;

[0048] FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of the pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIG. 28;

[0049] FIG. 31 is an exploded, front perspective view of the pellet Ounce heating apparatus of FIG. 28, more particularly illustrating mounting of an air vent housing at a selected height on the apparatus; and

[0050] FIG. 32 is a front perspective view, partially in section, of the pellet furnace heating apparatus, with the air vent housing mounted in the uppermost position on the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, in one embodiment of the invention, the pellet furnace heating apparatus is generally illustrated by reference numeral 1 and can be included in a fireplace 30, illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1 and typically constructed of bricks 31. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the pellet furnace heating apparatus 1 includes an enclosure 2 having a pair of pellet storage hoppers 3 at opposite ends thereof Each pellet storage hopper 3 is typically provided with a pellet access panel 4 for loading pellet fuel 6 (FIG. 1) into the pellet storage hopper 3. A blower compartment 8 is provided beneath each pellet storage hopper 3 in the enclosure 2. A furnace 12 of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 1 includes a furnace box 13, which is contained in the enclosure 2 and fitted with insulation 14, and a burner chamber 15 is seated in the center of the furnace box 13. Air is introduced into the burner chamber 15 through a furnace air supply line 18 that connects by means of a fitting 18a to a burner air plenum 16a, provided in the burner chamber 15, and a valve 18b serves to regulate the flow of air through the furnace air supply line 18. A pair of feed augers 19, each having an auger feed tube 20 which angles upwardly from the corresponding pellet storage hopper 3 and a feed drop tube 23 which extends dowwardly from each auger feed tube 20, are mounted on the enclosure 2 for the purpose of feeding pellet fuel 6 (FIG. 1) from the pellet storage hoppers 3, into a fire 11 in the burner chamber 15 as illustrated in FIG. 1 and as further hereinafter described. Air is circulated around the furnace 12 as hereinafter described and is heated by the fire 11 in the burner chamber 15. In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 1, some of the heated air is blown from the enclosure 2 through a pair of hot air ducts 43, then through respective side grilles 34 into an enclosure or room which accommodates the fireplace 30. In another embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, some of the heated air is blown from the enclosure through a pair of vertical hot air pipes 42 and a pair of respective extended hot air ducts 43a, for purposes hereinafter described. In both embodiments, the remaining air circulating around the furnace 12 may be blown from the enclosure 2 through a grille opening 32a and a furnace box grille 32. The products of combustion of the pellet fuel are expelled through a flue pipe 35 which extends from the burner chamber 15 and through a chimney 46 (FIG. 2). A pair of blower compartment grilles 33 are designed to close each blower compartment 8. The pellet access panels 4 are provided in the fireplace 30 for replenishing the supply of pellet fuel 6 in the enclosure 2 behind the bricks 31, also as further hereinafter described.

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 2 of the drawings, in one embodiment of the invention, the pair of extended hot air ducts 43a joined to the respective hot air pipes 42 of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 1 facilitate a flow of heated air throughout a structure 45 and distribution of the heated air into the various rooms of the structure 45 through air registers 44. In the pellet furnace heating apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, hot air may also be ejected through the furnace box grille 32 for the purpose of directly heating the room in which the fireplace 30 is located.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3-7 and 12 of the drawings, each of the blower compartments 8 provided in the enclosure 2 on each side of the furnace 12 houses a furnace air blower 9 that supplies air to the burner chamber 15 through the furnace air supply line 18. A pair of hot air circulation blowers 10 are provided in opposite ones of the blower compartments 8 for circulating air through corresponding hot air blower discharge lines 10a, around the furnace box 13 and through either the furnace box grille 32, seated in the furnace box opening 13a (FIG. 3), and the side grilles 34 as illustrated in FIG. 1, or through the furnace box grille 32 and a pair of extended hot air ducts 43a, as heretofore described with respect to FIG. 2. Accordingly, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the hot air pipes 42 are optional and are normally only provided in the pellet furnace heating apparatus 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 for the purpose of connecting the pellet furnace heating apparatus 1 to the extended hot air ducts 43a in a structure 45. Otherwise, the hot air pipes 42 can be eliminated from the pellet furnace heating apparatus I and the pellet furnace heating apparatus 1 operates as illustrated in FIG. 1 with direct heat and without connection to the extended hot air ducts 43a.

[0054] A shaped burner plate 16 is mounted in the burner chamber 15, typically by welding and the burner plate 16 is provided with multiple air openings 17 of selected size, number and spacing, as further illustrated in FIG. 12. In one embodiment of the invention, air openings 17 are provided in the burner plate 16 and the air openings 17 are arranged in a staggered configuration, as further illustrated in FIG. 12 and as further hereinafter described. Accordingly, air which is introduced into the burner chamber 15 beneath the burner plate 16 through the furnace air supply line 18 to the burner air plenum 16a by operating the furnace air blower 9, supports the combustion of pellet fuel 6 which is dispensed onto the burner plate 16 from the feed drop tube elbows 24 of the feed drop tube 23 elements of the feed augers 19. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pellet fuel 6 is stored in the pair of pellet storage hoppers 3 on a fuel support 7 in the interior of opposite ends of the enclosure 2, and the pair of auger feed tubes 20 of corresponding feed augers 19 extend through the enclosure 2 into the pellet storage hoppers 3, and terminate at an auger motor 22. An auger 21 is provided in each of the auger feed tubes 20, and the tops of the auger feed tubes 20 terminate in a tube end plate 20a, attached to the auger feed tube 20, by means of end plate bolts 20b for servicing or replacing the auger 21. The pair of feed drop tubes 23 of the respective feed augers 19 are attached to the upper ends of the respective auger feed tubes 20 and extend downwardly through the enclosure 2 to the burner chamber 15, as heretofore described. Accordingly, operation of the auger motors 22 causes each of the augers 21 in the respective auger feed tubes 20 to turn and to lift the pellet fuel 6 that contact the respective augers 21 through a feed tube access opening 20c in each auger feed tube 20, upwardly, for spilling over into the respective feed drop tubes 23. The pellet fuel 6 then drops by gravity through each feed drop tube 23 and through an air purge 25, which may be provided on each of the feed drop tubes 23, into the burner chamber 15 and onto the burner plate 16, through the feed drop elbows 24. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the rate of feed of pellet fuel 6 to the burner chamber 15 and burner plate 16 can be controlled by the rate of rotation of each of the augers 21 in the feed augers 19. Accordingly, the auger motors 22 are designed to operate at various speeds and appropriate wiring (not illustrated) known to those skilled in the art may be connected to the auger motors 22 for this purpose.

[0055] As further illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3a and 3b, the air purge 25 is characterized by a purge pipe 26 that inserts concentrically over each feed drop tube 23 on each of the feed augers 19 and the inside diameter of the purge pipe 26 is larger than the outside diameter of the feed drop tube 23, to create an annulus 28 which is blocked at both ends by an annulus seal 29 (FIG. 3B). A purge air feed line 27 terminates at one end in the purge pipe 26 as further illustrated in FIG. 3B and the opposite end of the purge air feed line 27 is connected to the furnace air supply line 18 which is, in turn, connected to the discharge of the furnace air blower 9, as heretofore descried. Accordingly, referring again to FIG. 3B, the pellet fuel 6 flows by gravity downwardly through the drop tube bore 23a of the feed drop tube 23 to prevent a flow of heat that would normally travel upwardly from the furnace 12 through the feed drop tubes 23. The heat is impeded in this upward flow by the reverse flow of air from the purged air feed line 27, through the annulus 28 and the purge opening 28a in the feed drop tube 23, between the annulus seals 29.

[0056] Referring again to FIGS. 3-7 of the drawings, the pellet fuel 6 is introduced for storage into the pellet storage hoppers 3, located in opposite sides of the enclosure 2 and closed by a hopper top 3a, typically by means of pellet access panels 4, typically attached to the front portion of the enclosure 2 by means of pellet access panel hinges 5.

[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 4a of the drawings, in another embodiment of the invention a flue pipe heat exchanger 36 is mounted in the flue pipe 35 and as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the hot gases from the burner chamber 15 and furnace 12 circulate on the shell side of the flue pipe heat exchanger 36, while air is introduced into the tube side of the flue pipe heat exchanger 36 by means of an inlet air line 40, attached to one of two end plates 37 that close the ends of the flue pipe heat exchanger 36. Tubes 38 may be provided longitudinally in the flue pipe heat exchanger 36 and receive the air from the inlet air line 40, and heat is exchanged between the upward-flowing hot combustion gases in the flue pipe 35 and the air in 39 flowing inside the tubes 38. The heated air out 39b exits the flue pipe heat exchanger 36 through the opposite end plate 37 and may directed into a structure or into a hot air duct 43, as illustrated in phantom.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 6, 8 and 9 of the drawings, the furnace 12 and burner chamber 15 of the pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention are more particularly illustrated, with side air baffles 49 and rear air baffles 50 provided in the furnace 12, for the circulation of air to be heated by combustion of pellet fuel (not illustrated) in the burner chamber 15. The feed drop tube elements 23 of a feed auger 19 (not illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9) are further illustrated for supplying pellet fuel from a source to the burner chamber 15. As described above, the flue pipe 35 is designed to receive combustion gases from the pellet fuel burned in the burner chamber 15, which gases exit the burner chamber 15 at about 800° F. through burner chamber vents 15a, illustrated in FIG. 9, circulate through an air circulation opening 12a between the insulation 14 and the inside surface of the enclosure 2. As further illustrated in FIG. 8, the side air baffles 49 and rear air baffles 50 are designed to project from the furnace 12 in various configurations in order to facilitate a flow of air around and over the baffles and effect optimum heat transfer between the hot furnace 12 and the air, as heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings. The temperature of the pellet fuel 6 consumed in the burner chamber 15 is elevated by introduction of air into the burner chamber 15 through the furnace air supply line 18 and the fittings 18a, as heretofore described with respect to the pellet furnace heating apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. The heat output of the furnace 12 is controlled by the rate of flow of pellet fuel 6 through the feed drop tubes 23 into the burner chamber 15 and by the flow rate of air through the furnace air supply line 18, into the burner chamber 15.

[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 of the drawings, the burner chamber 15 is detailed, with a pair of the feed drops tubes 23 provided with feed drop tube elbows 24, for directing pellet fuel 6 (illustrated in FIG. 11) onto the perforated burner plate 16. The burner plate 16 may be provided with a burner plate bend 16b that defines an upper burner plate 16c and a smaller lower burner plate 16d. It has been found by experimentation that the upper burner plate 16c should be larger than the lower burner plate 16d. However, the upper burner plate 16c can be the same size as or smaller than the lower burner plate 16d. Furthermore, the upper burner plate 16c typically contains 124 openings 17, staggered as indicated in FIG. 12, while the lower burner plate 16d typically contains 63 openings 17, also staggered as illustrated in FIG. 12. However, it is understood that any desired number of openings 17 can be provided in the upper burner plate 16c and the lower burner plate 16d depending upon the desired heating characteristics of the burner plate 16. As described with respect to the pellet furnace heating apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, a furnace air blower 9 serves to supply air to the burner chamber 15 through the furnace air supply line 18 and fittings 18a attached to the burner air plenum 16a.

[0060] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14 of the drawings, a portable pellet furnace heating apparatus 51 is illustrated and has a vent housing 58 mounted on an enclosure 2 and multiple hot air vents 57 provided on the vent housing 58. The enclosure 2 is further provided with a hinged or fixed pellet access panel 4 for loading pellet fuel (not illustrated) into the enclosure 2, and a feed auger 19 (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 14) is provided in the enclosure 2 and extends upwardly into the vent housing 58 for transferring the stored pellet fuel from the enclosure 2, through the feed drop tube 23 and into the burner chamber 15 at a controlled rate, as heretofore described. The flue pipe 35 extends from the burner chamber 15 in order to release the hot combustion gases from the burner chamber 15. A furnace air blower 9 is also illustrated in phantom and is connected to the burner chamber 15 (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 14), by means of a furnace air supply line 18, also illustrated in phantom, for supplying air to the burner chamber 15 and increasing the heat of combustion of the pellet fuel, as heretofore described. A door 54 is hinged the enclosure 2 by means of door hinges 55 and includes a door handle 56 for accessing the burner plate 16 in the burner chamber 15. A door recess 54a may be provided in the enclosure 2 to recess the door 54 at least partially into the enclosure 2 and further seal the burner chamber 15 during operation of the portable pellet furnace heating apparatus 51. Portability of the portable pellet furnace heating apparatus 51 is provided by means of rollers 53, mounted on roller brackets 53a as farther illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0061] Referring next to FIGS. 15-19 of the drawings, in another embodiment of the invention the pellet furnace heating apparatus is generally illustrated by reference numeral 101 and is particularly suitable for burning corn kernels (not illustrated). In one embodiment, the pellet furnace heating apparatus 101 includes a base 107, on which is mounted a housing 106 provided with an upper, pellet storage hopper 102, having a fuel support 7, and a lower, blower compartment 105 which contains a burner air blower 115. The interior of the pellet storage hopper 102 is typically accessed by raising a hopper lid 103 on the pellet storage hopper 102, to facilitate placing corn kernels (not illustrated) or other pellet fuel into the pellet storage hopper 102. Alternatively, the pellet storage hopper 102 may be fined with a pellet access panel 4 (FIG. 13) to achieve the purpose. An upward-standing burner housing 108 having an upper housing opening 108a is provided on the base 107, and the burner base 122 of a burner 121 rests on the base 107 inside a burner opening 109 of the burner housing 108. As illustrated in FIGS. 16-19, the burner base 122 of the burner 121 typically supports a pilot housing 123 having a pilot housing interior 124 (FIG. 17). A pilot valve 125 inside the pilot housing interior 124 is connected to a burner fuel source (not illustrated) through a fuel line 127 which extends from the pilot housing interior 124 of the pilot housing 123, A combustion housing 130, having a combustion housing interior 132 the bottom of which is typically fitted with a dish-shaped or concave combustion dish 131, is mounted on the pilot housing 123 and provided with multiple flame openings 131a arranged in a selected pattern and spacing. As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19, in one embodiment the combustion dish 131 is fitted with a flare plate 128 disposed directly above the bottom of the combustion dish 131, for purposes hereinafter described. In another embodiment (not illustrated) of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 101, the base 107 is omitted and the housing 106, the burner base 122 of the burner 121, and the burner housing 108 are supported on the ground or other supporting surface (not illustrated).

[0062] As further illustrated in FIG. 15, the burner air blower 115 in the blower compartment 105 of the housing 106 is connected to the pilot housing interior 124 of the burner 121 by means of a burner air supply line 116, through a fitting 118 and a fitting nipple 119 extending from the pilot housing 123. The burner air supply line 116 is typically fitted with an air flow control valve 117 for controlling the flow rate of air through the burner air supply line 116 as hereinafter described. As illustrated in FIG. 17, a flame guard 129 is typically provided on the pilot valve 125 to shield a flame 120, issuing from the pilot valve 125, from air flowing into the pilot housing interior 124 through the fitting nipple 119 of the burner air supply line 116. An auger feed tube 20 of a feed auger 19 angles upwardly from inside the pellet storage hopper 102 and is fitted with a feed drop tube 23, typically having an air purge 25 fitted with a purge air feed line 27, for delivering by gravity the corn kernels or other feed (not illustrated) from the auger feed tube 20 into the combustion dish 131 of the combustion housing 130 at a controlled rate, as heretofore described. One or multiple pellet deflector plates 133 nay be provided in the combustion housing interior 132 to ensure deposit of the pellet fuel into the middle of the combustion dish 131 from the feed drop tube 113.

[0063] In typical operation of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 101, the corn kernels or other pellet fuel is delivered at a controlled rate through the auger feed tube 20 of the feed auger 19 and onto the combustion dish 131 of the burner 121 through the feed drop tube 23, and the flare plate 128 typically spreads the flame 120 generated by the pilot valve 125 outwardly to the flame openings 131a in the combustion dish 131. As the corn kernels or pellet fuel burns in the combustion housing interior 132, air flowing from the burner air blower 115 and into the pilot housing interior 124 through the burner air supply line 116 increases the heat of combustion of the pellet fuel in the combustion housing interior 132, as heretofore described. The heat generated by the burning corn kernels or pellet fuel in the combustion dish 131 escapes from the combustion housing interior 132 and burner housing 108 through the housing opening 108a of the burner housing 108. Referring again to FIG. 19 of the drawings, while the combustion housing 130 may be removably mounted on the pilot housing 123 by engaging combustion housing threads 130a with pilot housing threads 123a, it is understood that the combustion housing 130 may be removably or fixedly mounted on the pilot housing 123 by any suitable techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0064] Referring next to FIGS. 20-22 of the drawings, in another embodiment of the pellet furnace heating apparatus generally illustrated by reference numeral 134, the pellet furnace heating apparatus 101 heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 15-19 is fitted with a flue pipe steam generator 135 for generating steam, as hereinafter described. Accordingly, the burner housing 108 of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 134 is provided with a top plate 143 for supporting an upper, steam housing 138 of the flue pipe steam generator 135. As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, t multiple, peripheral steam tubes 137 and a central steam tube 142 connect the steam housing 138 of the flue pipe steam generator 135 to a lower, water reservoir 136 which, as illustrated in FIG. 20, is disposed just above the combustion housing 130 of the burner 121. A water conduit 139, typically fitted with one or multiple water flow control valves 140, is connected to a water source (not illustrated) and extends from fluid communication with the steam housing 138. A steam conduit 141 further extends from the steam housing 138 for conveying steam from the steam housing 138 to a steam turbine (not illustrated) or other destination for use of the steam in operation of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 134 as hereinafter described. Accordingly, in typical operation the water reservoir 136 of the flue pipe steam generator 135 is initially filled with water through the water conduit 139, by opening the water flow control valve or valves 140. This facilitates flow of water from the water conduit 139, through the steam housing 138, steam tubes 137 and central steam tube 142 and into the water reservoir 136. Upon subsequent operation of the burner 121, the water contained in the water reservoir 136 is heated to a boil, and steam rises upwardly from the water reservoir 136, through the steam tubes 137 and central steam tube 142 and steam housing 138, and through the steam conduit 141 to a steam turbine (not illustrated) or other destination for use of the steam The water reservoir 136 is filled with an additional supply of water, as needed, by operation of the water flow control valves 140 on the water conduit 139, as heretofore described.

[0065] In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a cooker 75 is illustrated in FIGS. 23-27 of the drawings and a pellet furnace heating apparatus 101 heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 15-19 delivers cooking heat to the cooker 75. The cooker 75 includes a typically cynical outer drum 76 and a cylindrical inner drum 77, provided inside the outer drum 76 to create a drum annulus 78 of selected size. A pair of annulus vents 79 are mounted on the outer drum 76 to facilitate removal of combustion gases from the drum annulus 78, as hereinafter described. The inner drum 77 defines a cooking chamber 80 which is fitted with a cooking chamber vent 81. In one embodiment, multiple rotisserie racks 82 are mounted on a motor shaft 73 which extends between a pair of rotatable rotisserie wheels 82a at opposite ends of the cooking chamber 80, and the motor shaft 73 is engaged by a rotisserie motor 72 which is mounted on one end of the cooker 75, as further illustrated in FIG. 25, and rotates the motor shaft 73 and the rotisserie racks 82 in the cooking chamber 80. In another embodiment (not illustrated), one or multiple food support racks (not illustrated) are mounted in the cooking chamber 80 in conventional fashion. A cooker frame 83 supports the outer drum 76 and the inner drum 77, as well as a smoking chamber 88, as further illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 25. The cooker frame 83 includes grip arms 84 projecting from one end thereof, and a cooker door 85 is fitted to the outer drum 76 and covers an opening that extends through the inner drum 77 and accesses the cooking chamber 80 as it mounts on a cooker door hinge 87, as illustrated in FIG. 23. A cooker door handle 86 facilitates opening and closing of the cooker door 85 on the cooker door hinge 87.

[0066] The smoking chamber 88 is fitted with a smoking chamber door 89, hinged to the smoking chamber 88 by means of a smoking chamber door hinge 89a and fitted with a smoking chamber door handle 90, for accessing the interior of the smoking chamber 88. An air vent 91 is provided in one end of the smoking chamber 88 to allow a selected flow of air to enter the smoking chamber 88. The air vent 91 (FIG. 24) includes air vent openings 92 and corresponding rotating air vent shutters 93 attached to a shutter pin 94 and pivotally mounted on a pivot bolt 100, to facilitate opening and closing the air vent openings 92 by manipulating the shutter pin 94 and rotating the air vent shutters 93 on the pivot bolt 100 to align with or clear the air vent openings 92 and provide more or less smoking action inside the smoking chamber 88. An accessory platform 95 may also be provided on the cooker frame 83, and the cooker 75 may be made portable by the addition of wheels 96 mounted to a wheel axle 97. A smoking chamber vent 98 communicates between the interior of the smoking chamber 88 and the cooking chamber 80 of the inner drum 77, to facilitate a flow of smoke from burning fuel such as mesquite wood, hickory or the like, in the smoking chamber 88, through the smoking chamber vent 98 into the cooking chamber 80 to smoke the food 99 resting on the rotisserie rack or racks 82. This smoke exits the cooking chamber 80 through the cooking chamber vent 81.

[0067] The cooker 75 is connected to the burner housing 108 of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 101 by means of a hot air conduit 165, one end of which is typically connected to a top plate 169 on the upper end of the burner housing 108 and the other end of which communicates with the drum annulus 78 at the bottom of the cooker 75, as illustrated in FIG. 27. In one embodiment of the invention, a horizontal supporting segment 165a is provided in the hot air conduit 165, and a hot plate 166, adapted for supporting a pan 168 or other cooking vessel, as further illustrated in FIG. 27, is welded or otherwise fixedly or removably mounted on the upper surface of the supporting segment 165a, and an upward-standing flange 167 may be provided along the perimeter of the hot plate 166. In another embodiment of the invention, the hot plate 166 and flange 167 are omitted, and a hot air conduit 165 of any desired configuration connects the burner housing 108 of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 101 to the cooker 75. In application, the corn kernels or pellet fuel (not illustrated), delivered to the combustion housing 130 of the burner 121 from the pellet storage compartment 104 of the pellet storage hopper 102 through the auger feed tube 20 and feed drop tube 23 of the feed auger 19, are burned in the burner 121, generating a fire 11 which creates heat of sufficient intensity to cook the food 99 inside the cooker 75 as the hot combusion gases flow from the burner housing 108, through the hot air conduit 165 and into the drum annulus 78 of the cooker 75. Smoke, heat and other products of combustion flow from the drum annulus 78 and through the annulus vents 79 of the cooker 75. Simultaneously, heat from the supporting segment 165a of the hot air conduit 165 is conducted by the hot plate 166, which heats the pan 168 and contents thereof The rotisserie racks 82, supporting the food 99 inside the cooking chamber 80 of the cooker 75, can be rotated around the rotisserie shaft 73 inside the cooking chamber 80 by operation of the rotisserie motor 72, as desired.

[0068] Referring next to FIGS. 28-32 of the drawings, in still another embodiment the pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention is generally illustrated by reference numeral 145 and includes a housing 106 which contains a pellet storage hopper 102, typically fitted with a hopper lid 103 or alternatively, a pellet access panel 4 (FIG. 13), and a bottom blower compartment 105 which contains a burner air blower 115, as heretofore described with respect to the pellet furnace heating apparatus 101 in FIGS. 15-19. The housing 106 is mounted along with an enclosure 148 on a base 146 typically provided with a pair of spaced-apart forklift openings 146a, the purpose of which will be hereinafter described. As illustrated in FIG. 29, the enclosure 148 houses a burner chamber 149 and a blower chamber 160, separated by a partition 152 having a partition opening 152a which establishes communication between the burner chamber 149 and the blower chamber 160. An air flow opening 150, selectively closed by a hinged door 151, is provided in a rear enclosure panel 153 of the burner chamber 149 of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 145. A burner 121, such as that heretofore described with respect to FIGS. 15-19, rests on the base 146 inside the burner chamber 149. Multiple closure panels 154 and a vent housing support panel 157 are mounted on the enclosure 148 typically by means of multiple bolts 158 threaded into respective bolt openings 159 in the enclosure 148, which closure panels 154 in combination with a vent housing support panel 157 close the blower chamber 160 of the enclosure 148. An air vent housing 155, having a selected configuration and typically fitted with multiple air vents 156, is mounted along with one or multiple air distribution blowers 147 on the vent housing support panel 157, which vent housing support panel 157 and air vent housing 155 can be removably mounted at selected heights on the enclosure 148 for purposes hereinafter described. In operation of the pellet furnace heating apparatus 145, as illustrated in FIG. 29, combustion of corn kernels or pellet fuel (not illustrated) in the burner 121 causes hot combustion gases to rise upwardly from the burner 121 into the burner chamber 149, such that air drawn into the burner chamber 149 through the air flow opening 150 thereof is heated and flows through the partition opening 152a in the partition 152, as indicated by the arrows. The heated air is then drawn into the air distribution blower or blowers 147 on the vent housing support panel 157, and the air distribution blower or blowers 147 blow the air through the air vents 156 of the air distribution blower or blowers 147. It will be appreciated from a consideration of FIG. 31 that the vent housing support panel 157 and any one of the closure panels 154 can be removed and interchanged in position on the enclosure 148 to facilitate mounting the air vent housing 155 at a selected height on the enclosure 148, as needed. Accordingly, the pellet furnace heating apparatus 145 is particularly suitable for heating the interior of poultry houses in cold weather, since the pellet furnace heating apparatus 145 can be moved from one location to another in the poultry house by extending the parallel horizontal supports (not illustrated) of a forklift into the respective forklift openings 146a in the base 146, and lifting and moving the pellet furnace heating apparatus 145 using the forklift. Moreover, the air vent housing 155 can be initially mounted at the lowermost position on the enclosure 148 when the poultry (not illustrated) are small, and gradually and progressively mounted in the higher positions on the enclosure 148 in the manner heretofore described as the poultry grow larger in size.

[0069] It will be appreciated from a consideration of the various embodiments of the pellet furnace heating apparatus of this invention that the pellet furnace heating apparatus can be utilized in a variety of ways for many different applications involving heating. Accordingly, while the pellet furnace heating apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 is a typical application for homes, offices and other structures, the application can be varied in such aspects as whether or not heated air is to be vented directly into the room in which the apparatus is located or into ductwork which extends throughout the structure. Furthermore, the pellet furnace heating apparatus can be constructed in various sizes, depending upon the size of the room or area to be heated and the number of people to be warmed. Additionally, the portable embodiments of the pellet furnace heating apparatus can be moved to any desired location and can be built to any desired size for the same purpose.

[0070] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications may be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pellet furnace heating apparatus for burning a solid fuel, said pellet furnace heating apparatus comprising: an enclosure; a furnace provided in said enclosure; a furnace air blower provided in air communication with said furnace; a hopper for containing the solid fuel; and a fuel delivery mechanism connecting said hopper and said furnace for delivering the solid fuel to said furnace.

2. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid fuel from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

3. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 1 comprising at least one hot air circulation blower provided in air communication with said enclosure for circulating air in said enclosure.

4. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 3 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid fuel from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

5. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 1 comprising at least one grille opening provided in said enclosure and at least one grille covering said at least one grille opening, respectively.

6. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 5 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid fuel from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

7. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 5 comprising at least one hot air circulation blower provided in air communication with said enclosure for circulating air in said enclosure.

8. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 7 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid fuel from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

9. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 3 comprising a plurality of baffles provided between said furnace and said enclosure for facilitating heat exchange in said enclosure.

10. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 9 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper, an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid fuel from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

11. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 9 comprising at least one grille opening provided in said enclosure and at least one grille covering said at least one grille opening, respectively.

12. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 11 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid fuel from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

13. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 1 comprising a flue pipe extending from said furnace and said enclosure and a flue pipe heat exchanger provided on said flue pipe for heating air flowing through said flue pipe heat exchanger.

14. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 13 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid fuel from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

15. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 13 comprising at least one grille opening provided in said enclosure and at least one grille covering said at least one grille opening, respectively.

16. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 15 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid fuel from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

17. A pellet furnace heating apparatus for burning a solid fuel, said pellet furnace heating apparatus comprising: an enclosure; a furnace provided in said enclosure; a furnace air blower provided in air communication with said furnace; a hopper for containing the solid fuel; a fuel delivery mechanism connecting said hopper and said furnace for delivering the solid fuel to said furnace; and a door recess provided in said enclosure and a door provided on said enclosure for closing said door recess.

18. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 17 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid feed from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

19. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 17 comprising wheels provided on said enclosure for transporting said enclosure.

20. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 19 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said furnace for dropping the solid feed from said auger feed tube into said furnace.

21. A pellet furnace heating apparatus for burning a solid fuel, said pellet furnace heating apparatus comprising: a hopper for containing the solid fuel; a burner having a pilot housing and a combustion housing provided on said pilot housing; a fuel delivery mechanism connecting said hopper and said combustion housing of said burner for delivering the solid fuel to said burner; and a furnace air blower provided in air communication with said pilot housing of said burner.

22. The pellet face heating apparatus of claim 21 comprising a burner housing substantially covering said combustion housing of said burner for conveying heat from said burner.

23. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 21 comprising a base and wherein said hopper and said burner are mounted on said base.

24. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 23 comprising a burner housing substantially covering said combustion housing of said burner for conveying heat from said burner.

25. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 21 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said combustion housing of said burner for dropping the solid feed from said auger feed tube into said combustion housing.

26. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 25 comprising a burner housing substantially covering said combustion housing of said burner for conveying heat from said burner.

27. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 25 comprising a base and wherein said hopper and said burner are mounted on said base.

28. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 27 comprising a burner housing substantially covering said combustion housing of said burner for conveying heat from said burner.

29. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 27 comprising a pair of forklift openings provided in said base in spaced-apart relationship to each other.

30. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 29 comprising a burner housing substantially covering said combustion housing of said burner for conveying heat from said burner.

31. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 22 comprising a flue pipe steam generator provided in said burner housing for generating and releasing steam.

32. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 31 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said combustion housing of said burner for dropping the solid feed from said auger feed tube into said combustion housing.

33. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 32 comprising a base and wherein said hopper, said burner and said burner housing are mounted on said base.

34. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 33 comprising a pair of forklift openings provided in said base in spaced-apart relationship to each other.

35. A pellet furnace heating apparatus for burning a solid fuel, said pellet fine heating apparatus comprising: a hopper for containing the solid fuel; a burner having a pilot housing and a combustion housing provided on said pilot housing; a fuel delivery mechanism connecting said hopper and said combustion housing of said burner for delivering the solid fuel to said combustion housing; a furnace air blower provided in air communication with said pilot housing of said burner; a burner housing substantially enclosing said combustion housing of said burner for conveying heat from said burner; a cooker; and a hot air conduit establishing air communication between said burner housing and said cooker for conveying hot air from said burner housing to said cooker.

36. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 35 wherein said hot air conduit comprises a substantially horizontal supporting segment and a hot plate provided on said supporting segment.

37. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 35 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said combustion housing of said burner for dropping the solid feed from said auger feed tube into said combustion housing.

38. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 37 wherein said hot air conduit comprises a substantially horizontal supporting segment and a hot plate provided on said supporting segment.

39. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 38 comprising a base and wherein said hopper and said burner are mounted on said base.

40. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 39 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said combustion housing of said burner for dropping the solid feed from said auger feed tube into said combustion housing.

41. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 39 wherein said hot air conduit comprises a substantially horizontal supporting segment and a hot plate provided on said supporting segment.

42. The pellet furnace heating apparatus of claim 41 wherein said fuel delivery mechanism comprises at least one feed auger having an auger feed tube communicating with said hopper; an auger provided in said auger feed tube for conveying the solid fuel from said hopper through said auger feed tube; and a feed drop tube connecting said auger feed tube to said combustion housing of said burner for dropping the solid feed from said auger feed tube into said combustion housing.