Heat concentrating device and firing method

Abstract

A heat concentrating device particular useful for firing objects formed of metal clay includes a preferably frusto-conical body with a hollow interior surrounded by a continuous sidewall, a wide lower end or base, a relatively narrow upper end, a support screen disposed across the upper end for supporting objects to be fired, and an aperture adjacent the upper end for insertion of a temperature sensor connected to a pyrometer assembly for monitoring the temperature at the upper end of the body. The device is placed over a stove burner to capture the heat emitted by the burner in the interior of the body and concentrate the heat at the upper end of the body so as to heat objects placed on the support screen to a suitable firing temperature.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 676,654, filed Apr. 29, 2005, titled “Heat Concentrating Firing Cone”.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to heating apparatus and devices, and in its preferred embodiments more specifically relates to a device for concentrating the heat emitted by a stove burner for the purpose of firing objects formed of or in combination with metal clay, and to a method of firing objects utilizing the device of the invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A material known as metal clay is becoming increasingly popular for use in making jewelry, small sculptures, and other types of relatively small objects of precious metal, particularly silver but also including gold. The metal clay material itself is finely powdered metal mixed with an organic binder and water to form a malleable clay-like substance. This clay can be shaped and formed in ma...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a device for firing metal clay objects that can be used with a conventional butane or propane fueled burner, such as a camp stove. The device is designed to concentrate the heat emitted by the burner and raise the temperature at the firing zone to the necessary temperature for firing metal clay objects. The device includes a frusto-conical body made of non-combustible insulating material placed over the burner of a stove, with a support screen at the narrower end for supporting objects. The method involves placing the device on a stove, placing metal clay objects on the support screen, igniting the stove burner, monitoring the temperature in the firing zone, adjusting the burner to maintain the desired temperature for the desired firing time, extinguishing the burner, and removing the completed objects from the support screen. The device and method provide the advantage of efficient heating for firing metal clays, accurate temperature control, and the ability to fire relatively large mass of metal clay. The device is portable, requires no electricity, uses a common economical fuel source, and can be used with metal clays and ceramic beads. The method allows users to fire enamels and see the results right away."

Problems solved by technology

If the firing temperature is too low the metal particles will not properly fuse and the desired strength and integrity will not be achieved.

If the firing temperature is too high metal particles will fully melt and flow, destroying the shape of the object.

Kilns are, however, costly to purchase, ranging in price up to $1,200.00 or more.

Further, the firing process in a kiln is time consuming.

In most kilns the objects cannot be inspected during the firing process, since the kiln must remain closed.

The torch must be continuously moved during the entire firing process, which becomes impractical at higher temperatures and longer firing times. The mass of a metal clay object that can be effectively fired using a torch is also limited; generally considered to be about 20 grams.

Further, precise temperature control is not possible.

The fuel combustion is not controllable, and the firing temperature cannot be controlled.

Further the mass of a metal clay object or combination of objects that can be fired in a hot pot is limited, also to about 20 grams.

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