Combustion Apparatus for Operation With a Liquid Fuel

Abstract

A combustion apparatus for operation with a fuel which is liquid at room temperature, in particular with a vegetable oil, wherein the combustion apparatus includes an evaporator device for evaporating the liquid fuel and a nozzle for ejection and for flame ignition of the evaporated fuel. The evaporator device is disposed in fluid communication with a fuel tray for preheating the evaporator device for a start of operation.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . A combustion apparatus for operation with a fuel that is liquid at room temperature, in particular with a vegetable oil, the combustion apparatus comprising an evaporator device for evaporating the liquid fuel; a nozzle in fluid communication with the evaporator device for expelling and igniting the evaporated fuel; and a fuel tray in fluid communication with the evaporator device for preheating the evaporator device to start operation. 
   
   
       15 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the evaporator device is disposed at least partially within the fuel tray. 
   
   
       16 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the evaporator device is formed with at least one evaporator tube. 
   
   
       17 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the fuel tray extends in at least a partially surrounding relationship with the evaporator device. 
   
   
       18 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the fuel tray includes a base portion and the evaporator device is attached to the base portion of the fuel tray. 
   
   
       19 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the evaporator device is disposed generally in the center of the fuel tray. 
   
   
       20 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the fuel tray is formed with a connector pedestal and the evaporator device is connected to the connector pedestal. 
   
   
       21 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 20  wherein the fuel tray includes a base portion and the connector pedestal is disposed in the base portion of the fuel tray. 
   
   
       22 . The combustion apparatus according to claim  claims 20  wherein the connector pedestal includes a connector for connection to a fuel supply line. 
   
   
       23 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 22  and further comprising a protective plate disposed below the fuel tray for protecting the connector from contamination. 
   
   
       24 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein the protective plate is disposed between the fuel tray and a burner base. 
   
   
       25 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 23  wherein the protective plate is disposed adjacent a substantially closed assembly space below the fuel tray. 
   
   
       26 . The combustion apparatus according to  claim 25  wherein the connector of the connector pedestal is disposed within the assembly space below the fuel tray.