Abstract: A device for oxidizing a gas mixture that includes at least one hydrocarbon and oxygen. The device contains a porous solid that consists of zirconia. At least one metal having a catalytic oxidation activity, for example platinum or palladium, is deposited on the solid support. The device also contains an induced-air catalytic burner for the catalytic combustion of gaseous hydrocarbon mixed with atmospheric air and a member for dissipating the heat generated within the solid support. The device develops an average thermal power of at least 10 W/cm.sup.2 and an average temperature within the support of at least 700.degree. C.

Abstract: A heating apparatus has a catalytic burner and a thermal receiver which consumes at least one portion of the heat generated by the catalytic burner. The catalytic burner has a member for ejecting a flow of combustible gas, a member for admixing primary air with the flow of combustible gas to obtain a mixture to be burnt, a chamber for distributing the mixture, and a catalytic combustion structure in communication with the distribution chamber. The combustible gas travels into an upstream face of the catalytic combustion structure, and combustion exhaust gases are removed through a downstream face of the catalytic combustion structure. A radiating flameless combustion front is located in the vicinity of the upstream face of the catalytic combustion structure during operation. A thermal receiver extends along virtually the entire surface of the upstream face of the catalytic structure and receives thermal energy.

Abstract: In a heating applicance with an induced-air catalytic burner, the catalytic burner comprises a refractory core having extending right through it axial conduits for the circulation of the combustible mixture, and dynamic braking means are provided in relation to the core, to make it possible to obtain at the outlet of the burner a speed profile making it possible to prime the ignition of the catalytic burner. A downstream flame heats the core until the catalytic burner is activated, at which moment the downstream flame disappears automatically.The invention applies to all types of heating applicance of the portable type, whatever their uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new complex filiform textile element comprising fibers of an inorganic material.The element in accordance with the invention is characterized by the fact that the fibers are contained on the outside by an enveloping but open structure of metal, the total area of the openings (So) being greater than the total area of the enveloping structure (Se) covering the apparent peripheral surface of all the entire fibers.