In the realm of outdoor culinary equipment, Boil Boss, L.L.C. has recently patented a novel solution to a long-standing problem. The company, which can be found online at https://theboilboss.com/, was granted US Patent 12704259 for an invention titled Burner igniter. This development targets the specific safety and functional difficulties that backyard chefs encounter when preparing large-scale meals like fried turkeys or boiled seafood.
Lighting a high-output propane burner is typically an awkward task that requires one person to manage the gas regulator while another attempts to ignite the flow with a match or handheld lighter. The Burner igniter transforms this process by using a spark module and a remote sending unit that can be clamped directly to the gas hose. By allowing a user to trigger a high-voltage pulse to electrodes positioned at the gas outlet, the system provides a safe, remote, and wind-resistant method to start the burner.
Innovation and Industry Recognition
The core innovation of this device lies in its ability to separate the user from the immediate ignition zone while ensuring a consistent spark regardless of environmental factors like wind. The design includes ceramic insulators and angled bridges that allow the unit to shed liquids, which is a critical feature in cooking environments prone to spills and boil-overs. Because of its practical approach to improving safety and user experience in outdoor cooking, this invention won the patent of the month for the Louisiana state for the month of September 2026 granted by Swanson Reed. The recognition highlights how targeted engineering can significantly improve the convenience of regional traditions like crawfish boils.
R&D Tax Credit Eligibility in the USA
The practical applications and development phases of this patent serve as an excellent example of activities that might be eligible for a Research and Development (R&D) tax credit in the USA. Creating a reliable remote igniter requires resolving technical uncertainties related to high-voltage electronics, heat-resistant materials, and mechanical integration with existing gas systems. When a company invests time and resources into systematically testing electrode gap distances, evaluating the durability of waterproof housings, or prototyping clamping mechanisms for various hose sizes, they are engaging in qualified research activities. The wages, supplies, and third-party contractor costs associated with this iterative engineering process can often be claimed under the R&D tax credit, providing valuable financial recovery for businesses that push the boundaries of product design.
