WOOD PELLET PATIO HEATER

Abstract

A wood pellet patio heater having a rocket stove with a replaceable cartridge, secondary air control, and a heat reflector is described. The rocket stove having the replaceable cartridge of the wood pellet patio heater provides increased efficiency (i.e. less consumption of fuel over time). The secondary air control of the wood pellet patio heater facilitates combustion, and thus provides temperature control, where temperature control will require varying amounts of air depending on the quality of the fuel source. The heat dome provides increased heat profile.

Claims

1. A wood pellet patio heater, the wood pellet patio heater comprising: a heat reflector, the heat reflector having a dome shape, wherein the heat reflector is in mechanical communication with a chimney at a top of the chimney, the chimney having a tubular shape, where the chimney directs heat from secondary combustion of a fuel source to the heat reflector, wherein the chimney is in mechanical communication with a chimney ledge on an air mixing manifold of a rocket stove; the rocket stove comprising, a primary combustion chamber, where the primary combustion chamber initially combusts the fuel source, wherein a first end of the primary combustion chamber is open to atmosphere, and a second end of the primary combustion chamber is received perpendicularly by the air mixing manifold, a replaceable cartridge, where the replaceable cartridge receives the fuel source for combustion, the replaceable cartridge removably residing in an interior of the primary combustion chamber, the replaceable cartridge comprising rods, the rods sloping downward from a back of the replaceable cartridge to a front of the replaceable cartridge terminating in a barrier, the rods being are parallel to each other, and where the rods are spaced to prevent the fuel source from falling between the rods during combustion, and supports, the supports are on each side and the back of the replaceable cartridge to provide structural support to the rods, and the barrier, the barrier at the front of the replaceable cartridge, perpendicular to the rods, and the air mixing manifold, the air mixing manifold configured to promote secondary combustion, wherein the air mixing manifold is in mechanical communication with a base; and a hopper, where the hopper delivers the fuel source to the replaceable cartridge of the primary combustion chamber, wherein the hopper is in mechanical communication with a top of the primary combustion chamber and is in mechanical communication with the air mixing manifold via the primary combustion chamber.

2. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 1, wherein the replaceable cartridge does not include any flat surfaces.

3. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 1, wherein the slope of the rods of the replaceable cartridge is from 40 to 75 degrees.

4. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 1, wherein the space between the rods is configured to allow the fuel source being wood pellets to combust without falling between the rods, where the space is from 0.3 to 0.6 centimeters.

5. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 1, wherein the air mixing manifold further comprises a heat riser, where the heat riser promotes secondary combustion and draws flames of the combustion upward to the chimney, and four fins, the four fins configured to modify air flow velocity within the air mixing manifold creating a vortex in the chimney, and wherein the chimney is made of glass; and a secondary air control, the secondary air control in sliding communication with the air mixing manifold to allow varying levels of atmosphere into the air mixing manifold; and the base, the base in mechanical communication with a bottom of the air mixing manifold, where the base is configured to stabilize the wood pellet patio heater.

6. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 1, wherein the hopper has a first portion, the first portion being vertical and in mechanical communication with a second portion, the second portion being angled diagonally downward to deliver the fuel source to the primary combustion chamber, wherein the hopper is in mechanical communication with the primary air combustion chamber at the second portion, and the hopper is in mechanical communication with a support ring at the first portion of the hopper, the support ring being in further mechanical communication with the chimney.

7. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 6, wherein the hopper is in mechanical communication with the primary combustion chamber partially inside the air mixing manifold and partially outside of the air mixing manifold.

8. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 1, further comprising a safety cage formed of stainless steel woven mesh, the safety cage being cylindrical in shape and partially enclosing the chimney, rocket stove, and base, wherein the safety cage is in removable mechanical communication with safety cage rings, and a door, where the door provides access to the primary combustion chamber, the door is in mechanical communication with a support ring and the base.

9. A wood pellet patio heater, the wood pellet patio heater comprising: a heat reflector, the heat reflector having a dome shape, wherein the heat reflector is in mechanical communication with a chimney at a top of the chimney, the chimney having a tubular shape, where the chimney directs heat from secondary combustion of a fuel source to the heat reflector, wherein the chimney is in mechanical communication with a chimney ledge on an air mixing manifold of a rocket stove; the rocket stove comprising, a primary combustion chamber, where the primary combustion chamber initially combusts the fuel source, wherein a first end of the primary combustion chamber is open to atmosphere, and a second end of the primary combustion chamber is received perpendicularly by the air mixing manifold, a replaceable cartridge, where the replaceable cartridge receives the fuel source for combustion, the replaceable cartridge removably residing in an interior of the primary combustion chamber, and the air mixing manifold, the air mixing manifold configured to promote secondary combustion, wherein the air mixing manifold is in mechanical communication with a base; a hopper, where the hopper delivers the fuel source to the replaceable cartridge of the primary combustion chamber, wherein the hopper is in mechanical communication with a top of the primary combustion chamber and is in mechanical communication with the air mixing manifold via the primary combustion chamber; a secondary air control, the secondary air control is in sliding communication with the air mixing manifold to allow varying levels of atmosphere into the air mixing manifold, the secondary air control is a three-sided rectangular tube, where a bottom does not have a wall to provide air flow into the air mixing manifold when the secondary air control is in an open position; and the base, where the base is configured to stabilize the wood pellet patio heater, the base in mechanical communication with a bottom of the air mixing manifold.

10. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 9, wherein the secondary air control further comprises a handle to slide the secondary air control into open and closed positions.

11. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 9, wherein the air mixing manifold further comprises a heat riser, where the heat riser promotes secondary combustion and draws flames of the combustion upward to the chimney, and four fins, the four fins configured to modify air flow velocity within the air mixing manifold creating a vortex in the chimney.

12. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 9, wherein the hopper has a first portion, the first portion being vertical and in mechanical communication with a second portion, the second portion being angled diagonally downward to deliver the fuel source to the primary combustion chamber, wherein the hopper is in mechanical communication with the primary air combustion chamber at the second portion, and the hopper is in mechanical communication with a support ring at the first portion of the hopper, the support ring being in further mechanical communication with the chimney.

13. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 12, wherein the hopper is in mechanical communication with the primary combustion chamber partially inside the air mixing manifold and partially outside of the air mixing manifold.

14. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 9, further comprising a safety cage formed of stainless steel woven mesh, the safety cage being cylindrical in shape and partially enclosing the chimney, rocket stove, and base, wherein the safety cage is in removable mechanical communication with safety cage rings, and a door, where the door provides access to the primary combustion chamber, the door is in mechanical communication with a support ring and the base.

15. A wood pellet patio heater, the wood pellet patio heater comprising: a heat reflector, the heat reflector having a shape that disrupts laminar flow of the heat from a chimney to direct the heat downward around the wood pellet patio heater, the heat reflector having wherein the heat reflector is in mechanical communication with the chimney at a top of the chimney, the chimney having a tubular shape, where the chimney directs heat from secondary combustion of a fuel source to a heat reflector, wherein the chimney is in mechanical communication with a chimney ledge on an air mixing manifold of a rocket stove; the rocket stove comprising, a primary combustion chamber, where the primary combustion chamber initially combusts the fuel source, wherein a first end of the primary combustion chamber is open to atmosphere, and a second end of the primary combustion chamber is received perpendicularly by the air mixing manifold, a replaceable cartridge, where the replaceable cartridge receives the fuel source for combustion, the replaceable cartridge removably residing in an interior of the primary combustion chamber, and the air mixing manifold, the air mixing manifold configured to promote secondary combustion, wherein the air mixing manifold is in mechanical communication with a base; and a hopper, where the hopper delivers the fuel source to the replaceable cartridge of the primary combustion chamber, wherein the hopper is in mechanical communication with a top of the primary combustion chamber and is in mechanical communication with the air mixing manifold via the primary combustion chamber.

16. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 15, wherein the air mixing manifold further comprises a heat riser, where the heat riser promotes secondary combustion and draws flames of the combustion upward to the chimney, and four fins, the four fins configured to modify air flow velocity within the air mixing manifold creating a vortex in the chimney; and a secondary air control, the secondary air control is in sliding communication with the air mixing manifold to allow varying levels of atmosphere into the air mixing manifold; and the base, where the base is configured to stabilize the wood pellet patio heater, the base in mechanical communication with a bottom of the air mixing manifold.

17. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 15, wherein the hopper has a first portion, the first portion being vertical and in mechanical communication with a second portion, the second portion being angled diagonally downward to deliver the fuel source to the primary combustion chamber, wherein the hopper is in mechanical communication with the primary air combustion chamber at the second portion, and the hopper is in mechanical communication with a support ring at the first portion of the hopper, the support ring being in further mechanical communication with the chimney.

18. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 17, wherein the hopper is in mechanical communication with the primary combustion chamber partially inside the air mixing manifold and partially outside of the air mixing manifold.

19. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 15, further comprising a safety cage formed of stainless steel woven mesh, the safety cage being cylindrical in shape and partially enclosing the chimney, rocket stove, and base, wherein the safety cage is in removable mechanical communication with safety cage rings, and a door, where the door provides access to the primary combustion chamber, and the door is in mechanical communication with a support ring and the base.

20. The wood pellet patio heater of claim 15, wherein the heat reflector is a dome shape having a diameter of from 15 to 25 centimeters and a depth from 51 to 91 centimeters.

Description

FIGURES

[0026] FIG. 1a illustrates a wood pellet patio heater.

[0027] FIG. 1b illustrates the wood pellet patio heater having a door.

[0028] FIG. 1c illustrates the wood pellet patio heater having a safety cage in a use position.

[0029] FIG. 1d illustrates the wood pellet patio heater having the safety cage with a lower portion in the use position.

[0030] FIG. 2a illustrates a replaceable cartridge.

[0031] FIG. 2b illustrates the replaceable cartridge in the environment of the wood fire pellet patio heater.

[0032] FIG. 2c illustrates the replaceable cartridge within a primary combustion chamber.

[0033] FIG. 3a illustrates the flow of air and heat of the wood pellet patio heater with a secondary air control in a closed position.

[0034] FIG. 3b illustrates the flow of air and heat of the wood pellet patio heater with the secondary control in an open position.

[0035] FIG. 3c illustrates the interior of a primary combustion chamber with the secondary air control in the closed position.

[0036] FIG. 3d illustrates the interior of the primary combustion chamber with the secondary air control in the open position.

[0037] FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d illustrate heat reflectors of the wood pellet patio heater.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates the wood pellet patio heater having a table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] A wood pellet patio heater having a rocket stove with a replaceable cartridge, secondary air control, and a heat reflector is described. The rocket stove having the replaceable cartridge of the wood pellet patio heater provides increased efficiency (i.e. less consumption of fuel over time). The secondary air control of the wood pellet patio heater facilitates combustion, and thus provides temperature control, where temperature control will require varying amounts of air depending on the quality of the fuel source. The heat dome provides increased heat profile.

[0040] FIG. 1a illustrates a wood pellet patio heater 100. The wood pellet patio heater 100 includes a rocket stove 102, a secondary air control 104, a hopper 116, a chimney 110, a base 112, and a heat reflector 106. The wood pellet patio heater 100 may further include a safety cage 114, an integrated safety cage mounting 120, and a table 118.

[0041] The rocket stove 102 of the wood pellet patio heater 100 includes a primary combustion chamber 108, a replaceable cartridge 200, and an air mixing manifold 122. The rocket stove 102 is configured for combustion of a fuel source (i.e. wood pellets) in a manner that provides increased efficiency and heat profile compared to a conventional wood fueled patio heater. The replaceable cartridge 200, the secondary air control 104, and the chimney 110 contribute to the rocket stove 102 providing an increased fuel efficiency of 300%, where the rocket stove 102 consumes 1.8 kilograms (4.0 pounds (lbs.)) of fuel compared to a conventional wood pellet patio heater stove (e.g. conventional wood stove with a hopper that may include an electric fan) that consumes 5.4 kilograms (12.0 lbs.) of fuel. Further, the replaceable cartridge 200, the secondary air control 104, and the chimney 110 contribute to the wood pellet patio heater 100 producing minimal smoke and ash. For example, the wood pellet patio heater products 1.5-4 grams of ash every 3 hours depending on the wood pellet fuel source quality, while a conventional patio stove burning the same wood pellets products 300-500 grams of ash every 3 hours. Thus the conventional patio stove produces 100-200 times for ash than the wood pellet patio heater.

[0042] The primary combustion chamber 108 of the rocket stove includes the replaceable cartridge 200 (as described in FIGS. 2a-2c) and provides a chamber for combustion of the fuel. The primary combustion chamber 108 is formed from a material that is sustainable against combustion temperatures of 371 Celsius (C) (700 degrees Fahrenheit) such as steel, stainless steel, and metal alloys. For example, the primary combustion chamber 108 may be formed from 0.305 centimeter (cm) (0.120 inch (in.)) thickness wall steel. The primary combustion chamber 108 is a shape that allows combustion of the fuel and to receive the replaceable cartridge 200, such as a cuboid. For example, the primary combustion chamber 108 may have dimensions of 7.62 cm 3 inches in. for each of the height, length (at the top of the primary combustion chamber 108 until the primary combustion chamber 108 meets the hopper 116), and width. A first end of the primary combustion chamber 108 is received by the air mixing manifold 122, and a second end of the primary combustion chamber 108 opposite the first end is open to atmosphere to allow air flow into the primary combustion chamber 108 (as described in FIGS. 3a and 3b).

[0043] The air mixing manifold 122 of the rocket stove 102 provides for air mixing to promote combustion between the primary combustion chamber 108 and the chimney 110, with secondary combustion occurring in the air mixing manifold 122 and chimney 110 contributing the increased efficiency of the wood pellet patio heater noted above. The air mixing manifold 122 is formed from a material that is sustainable against combustion temperatures of 371 C, such as steel, stainless steel, and metal alloys. For example, the air mixing manifold 122 may be formed from 0.205 cm (0.120 inch) thickness wall steel. The air mixing manifold 122 is a shape that promotes air mixing between the primary combustion chamber 108 and the chimney 110, such as a cylinder. For example, the air mixing manifold 122 may have dimensions of a diameter of 11.4 cm (4.5 in.) in diameter and 36 cm (14 in.) in height.

[0044] The air mixing manifold 122 receives the secondary air control 104 (as described in FIGS. 3c and 3d), and is in mechanical communication with the base 112, the hopper 116, through fabrication, bolts, screws or the like. The air mixing manifold 122 is further in mechanical communication with the chimney 110, through a chimney ledge 302 (as shown in FIG. 3c). The chimney ledge 302 resides as a ring around an inner surface of the air mixing manifold 122 and is the same material as the air mixing manifold 122. The chimney ledge 302 includes dimensions to support the chimney 110 (as described below). The air mixing manifold 122 further includes a heat riser 304 and fins 306 as described in FIG. 3d.

[0045] The secondary air control 104 of the wood pellet patio heater 100 provides modifiable air flow to the primary combustion chamber 108 and air mixing manifold 122 (as further described in FIGS. 3a and 3b). The secondary air control 104 is formed from a material that is sustainable against combustion temperatures of 371 C, such as steel, stainless steel, and metal alloys. For example, the air mixing manifold 110 may be formed from 0.305 cm (0.120 inch) thickness wall steel. The secondary air control 104 is a shape that provides air flow to the primary combustion chamber 108 and air mixing manifold 122, such as a three-sided rectangular tube, where a bottom does not have a wall to allow air flow. For example, the secondary air control 104 may have a width of 8 cm (3 in.), a height of 10 cm (4 in.), and a length of 8 cm (3 in.). The secondary air control 104 includes a handle 126 to move the secondary air control 104 into and out of the air mixing manifold 122 to modify air flow. The secondary air control 104 is in mechanical communication with the air mixing manifold 122 as described in FIGS. 3c and 3d.

[0046] The hopper 116 of the wood pellet patio heater 100 delivers fuel to the primary combustion chamber 108. The hopper 116 is formed from a material that is sustainable against combustion temperatures of 371 C, such as steel, stainless steel, and metal alloys. For example, the hopper 116 may be formed from 0.305 cm (0.120 inch) thickness wall steel. The hopper 116 is a shape that facilitates delivery of the fuel to the primary combustion chamber 108 via gravity, such as a cuboid. For example, the hopper 116 may include a first portion 124 that is substantially vertical, and a second portion 128 that is angled on a diagonal to contact the air mixing manifold 122, where overall length of the hopper 116 is 90-120 cm and the ratio of length of the first portion 124 to the length of the second portion 128 is 2:1. The dimensions of the hopper 116 are configured to hold a volume of fuel for approximately a 2 hour burn time. The hopper 116 is in mechanical communication with the air mixing manifold 122 and the primary combustion chamber 108 as described in FIG. 3c. The hopper 116 is in mechanical communication with the safety cage mounting 120.

[0047] The chimney 110 of the wood pellet heater 100 provides a secondary combustion chamber. The chimney 110 is made of a material that that is sustainable against combustion temperatures of 371 C, such as glass, steel, stainless steel, and metal alloys. For example, the chimney 110 may be formed from borosilicate, quartz glass, or the like. The chimney 110 is a shape that provides secondary combustion and air flow upwards, such as a tube. For example, the chimney may have a diameter of 10 cm (4 in.) and a height of 125.4 cm (49 in.). In addition to the mechanical communication of the chimney 110 with the air mixing manifold 122 where the chimney 110 rests upon the chimney ledge 302, the chimney 110 is supported by a support ring 132. The support ring 132 is a bracket that is around the chimney 110 and in mechanical communication with the hopper 116 to stabilize both the chimney 110 and the hopper 116.

[0048] The base 112 of the wood pellet patio heater 100 provides stability to the wood pellet patio heater 100 to reduce the potential that the wood pellet patio heater 100 tips over. The base 112 may be of any shape to reduce the potential that the wood pellet patio heater 100 tips over. Preferably, the base includes a shallow inverted dome portion of a circumference wider than the heat reflector 106 and a rod portion. The base 112 is of a material that is capable of supporting the wood pellet patio heater 100, such as steel, stainless steel, and metal alloys. The base 112 is in mechanical communication with a bottom of the air mixing manifold 122, such as through fabrication, bolts, screws, or the like.

[0049] The heat reflector 106 of the wood pellet patio heater 100 provides an increased heat profile of the wood pellet patio heater 100 through disruption of laminar flow of heat from the chimney 110 (as described in FIGS. 3a and 3b). The heat reflector 106 is of a material that is sustainable against combustion temperatures of 371 C, such as, steel, stainless steel, and metal alloys. The shape of the heat reflector 106 disrupts the laminar flow of heat from the chimney 110 and is an inverted dome (as further described in FIGS. 4a-4d). The heat reflector 106 is in removable attachment with a top of the chimney, such as through bolts, screws, or the like.

[0050] FIG. 1b illustrates the wood pellet patio heater 100 having a door 130. The wood pellet patio heater 100 includes the door 130 when the safety cage 114 is used. The door 130 provides access to the primary combustion chamber 108 and the secondary air control 104. The door 130 is formed of the same material and the safety cage 114. The door 130 is in mechanical communication with the wood pellet patio heater 100 at the support ring 132 and the base 112 such as through bolts, screws, or the like.

[0051] FIG. 1c illustrates the wood pellet patio heater 100 having the safety cage 114 in the use position. The safety cage 114 provides a heat permeable barrier to reduce the risk (as compared to not having the safety cage 114 in a use position) that individual come into contact with the chimney 110 and the air mixing manifold 122, which may cause injury. The safety cage 114 is of a material that can withstand temperatures of 371 C, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and metal alloys. For example, the safety cage 114 is stainless steel woven mesh. Preferably, the safety cage 114 is cylindrical in shape promoting the ability of users to gather around the wood pellet patio heater while reducing risk of injury. The safety cage 114 is removable and may be in a use position or a non-use position. To deploy the safety cage 114 to a use position, the heat reflector 106 is removed from the wood pellet patio heater 100 and the safety cage 114 is placed over the chimney 110 from the top. The safety cage 114 is held in the use position through safety cage rings 134, where the safety cage 114 resides within the safety cage rings 134. The safety cage rings 134 are attached to the wood pellet patio heater 100 through bolts, screws, or the like.

[0052] FIG. 1d illustrates the wood pellet patio heater 100 having the safety cage 114 with only a lower portion 128 in a use position. The safety cage may include the lower portion 128 and an upper portion 130 that may be in use separately or together.

[0053] FIG. 2a illustrates the replaceable cartridge 200 that resides within the primary combustion chamber 108 and is replaceable without any mechanical tools or interventions. The replaceable cartridge 200 includes rods 202, a barrier 204, and supports 206. The cartridge 102 is a size configured to fit within the primary combustion chamber 108 to receive wood pellets from the hopper 116 (as shown in FIGS. 3c and 3d). For example, the replaceable cartridge 200 may have dimensions of a length from 5 to 18 cm (2 to 7 in.), a width of 3.8 to 10 cm (1.5 to 4 in.), and a height of 3.8 to 10 cm (1.5 to 4 in.). Most preferably, for example, the replaceable cartridge 200 may have dimensions of a length of 11.4 cm (4.5 in.), a width of 6.99 cm (2.75 in.), and a height of 6.99 cm (2.75 in.). The replaceable cartridge 200 is of a material that can withstand temperatures of combustions 371 C, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and metal alloys.

[0054] The rods 202 of the replaceable cartridge 200 hold wood pellets from the hopper 116 for combustion, where the minimal ash that accumulates during combustion falls in between the rods 202. The rods slope downward from a back of the replaceable cartridge 200 to a front, where the rods round upward and terminate in a barrier 204. The slope of the rods 202 facilitates movement of the pellets from the hopper 116 to the replaceable cartridge 200 during combustion and minimize congestion of the wood pellets and buildup of ash on the rods 202. The slope may be from 40 to 75 degrees. This minimized ash accumulation contributes to the increased fuel efficiency of the wood pellet patio heater 100.

[0055] The rods 202 are parallel to each other and do not include any perpendicular rods 202. The rods 202 are at intervals that facilitate ash falling between the rods 202, but maximize combustion of the wood pellets without the wood pellets falling between the rods 202. For example, the rods may be placed 0.3 to 0.6 cm apart. Most preferably, for example, the rods may be placed 0.4763 centimeters ( 3/16 inches) apart. The rods 202 are a shape that reduces accumulation of ash, such as a cylinder. Preferably, the replaceable cartridge 200 includes no flat surfaces to minimize ash accumulation. This minimized ash accumulation contributes to the increased fuel efficiency of the wood pellet patio heater 100.

[0056] The barrier 204 of the replaceable cartridge 200 provides a breaker for wood pellets so that they do not move into the air mixing manifold 122. The barrier 204 is perpendicular to the rods 202.

[0057] The supports 206 of the replaceable cartridge 200 provide structural support to the rods 202. The supports are on each side and back of the replaceable cartridge 200 and are formed to provide for open space underneath the supports 202 to allow for ash to fall between the supports 202 and to also allow lighting of the fuel from underneath the supports 202.

[0058] FIG. 2b illustrates the replaceable cartridge 200 in the environment of the wood pellet patio heater 100 to demonstrate the replaceable nature of the replaceable cartridge 200 within the primary combustion chamber 108. The replaceable cartridge 200 is illustrated outside the primary combustion chamber 108, where the it can move laterally into and out of the primary combustion chamber 108. The replaceable cartridge 200 may be removed for cleaning from the primary combustion chamber 108 and for replacement from wear and tear during combustion (i.e. every 3 to 5 years). FIG. 2c illustrates the replaceable cartridge 200 within the primary combustion chamber 108.

[0059] FIG. 3a illustrates the flow of air and heat of the wood pellet patio heater 100 with the secondary air control 104 in a closed position. The arrows of FIG. 3a illustrate the flow of air and heat through the wood pellet patio heater 100, where air flows into the second end of the primary combustion chamber 108 opposite the first end, where the second end is open to facilitate this air flow. The air in the primary combustion chamber 108 is involved in combustion and air and heat flow into the air mixing manifold 122. The heat and air then flows upward through the chimney 110 for secondary combustion. The heat and air continues to flow upward where it is flows out a top of the chimney 110, where it meets the heat reflector 106. The heat reflector 106 disrupts the laminar flow of the heat causing the heat to flow downward around the wood pellet patio heater 100 increasing the heat profile as compared to a heater without the heat reflector 106.

[0060] FIG. 3b illustrates the flow of air and heat of the wood pellet patio heater 100 with the secondary control 104 in an open position. The flow of air and heat follows the same path as described in FIG. 3a with the addition of air into the secondary air control 104.

[0061] FIG. 3c illustrates the interior of the primary combustion chamber 108 and the air mixing manifold 122 with the secondary air control 104 in the closed position to illustrate the mechanical communication of the primary combustion chamber 108, the hopper 116, the air mixing manifold 122, and the secondary air control 104. Preferably, the primary combustion chamber 108, the hopper 116, the secondary air control 104, and the air mixing manifold 122 are in mechanical communication through fabrication, where the secondary air control 104 is further in sliding communication with the air mixing manifold 122. The primary combustion chamber 108 extends into the air mixing manifold 122 where the top is sloped downward to meet the hopper and receive fuel into the primary combustion chamber 108.

[0062] FIG. 3d illustrates the interior of the primary combustion chamber 108 and the air mixing manifold 122 with the secondary air control 104 in the open position to illustrate the mechanical communication of the primary combustion chamber 108, the hopper 116, the air mixing manifold 122, and the secondary air control 104. FIG. 3d further illustrates the heat riser 304 and one of the fins 306. The heat riser 304 is a conventional heater riser that promotes secondary combustion and draws the flames of the combustion upward to the chimney 110 and is of the same material as the air mixing manifold 122. The fins 306 promote the venturi effect (i.e. creating different speeds of air flow) within the air mixing manifold 122 to further draw flames into the chimney 110 and create a vortex. The air mixing manifold 122 may contain four fins 306. The fins 306 are of the same material as the air mixing manifold 122.

[0063] FIGS. 4a-4d illustrate the heat reflector 106. The heat reflector 106 is a shape to disrupt the laminar flow of heat from the chimney 110 to increase the heat profile of the wood pellet patio heater 100 as compared to not having the heat reflector 106. The heat reflector 106 is formed from a material that is sustainable against combustion temperatures of 371 C, such as steel, stainless steel, and metal alloys The heat reflector is an inverted dome with dimensions from 15 to 25 cm (6 in. to 10 in.) in depth and 51 to 91 cm (20 in. to 36 in.) in diameter. Preferably, the dimensions are 20 cm (8 in.) in depth and 71 cm (28 in.) in diameter. The stylization of the dome may take on any ornamental features within the foregoing parameters, such as those shown in FIGS. 4a-4d.

[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates the wood pellet patio heater 100 having the table 118. The table provides a flat platform for placement of objects as well as providing a partial barrier between the chimney 110 and individuals using the wood pellet patio heater 100. The table is of a material that can withstand the heat profile of the wood pellet patio heater, such as glass, steel, and stone (i.e. marble, granite, and the like).