Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic electric generating system provides high thermal to electric conversion efficiency by use of matched radiation emitter and radiation collector. The radiation emitter comprises ceramic materials which emit thermally stimulated quantum radiation in at least two characteristic wavelength bands when heated above a threshold temperature. By employing a low emissivity ceramic doped with rare earth metal oxide, more than 50% of the radiation emitted from the surface can be concentrated in two or more characteristic wavelength bands. A multilayer photovoltaic device selectively absorbs the radiation at the characteristic wavelength bands for high electric conversion efficiency. An overlying layer of the photovoltaic collector selectively absorbs at least one of such characteristic wavelength bands and is transparent to another wavelength band which is absorbed by an underlying photovoltaic layer.

Abstract: A high output, narrow band thermally energized radiation source comprises a rare earth oxide radiator member that has a cross-sectional dimension in the range of five to thirty micrometers, the rare earth oxide radiator member, when heated to about 1700.degree. C., having a concentrated radiated flux over the 400-2500 nanometer wavelength range such that at least 50% of the radiated flux is within a spectral band that is less than 400 nanometers wide.

Abstract: An improved thermal radiator uses host materials having high internal reflection and scattering co-efficients for improved effectiveness. Selective thermal radiators are used for frequency conversion of incident radiation through the Welsbach effect. A Welsbach material screen is used to convert incident IR radiation into visible radiation, permitting visual observation of IR radiation and facilitating control and monitoring of IR equipment. Welsbach material is also used as a dynamic IR target which converts incident visible radiation into a high resolution IR source pattern. Welsbach material is also employed as a temperature stable material for converting solar radiation into heat.

Abstract: An electric gaslight simulative for installation in an existing candelabra-type light fixture by merely removing the existing bulb and installing the simulative and placing a cylindrical bulb in the socket thereby converting the light fixture into a light which produces a glow or illumination quite similar to that produced by an actual gaslight and having external physical appearance characteristics simulative of an actual gaslight. The simulative includes an adapter body constructed of insulative material positioned on an existing candelabra-type light bulb socket mount and held in place by the generally cylindrical light bulb that telescopes into a generally cylindrical, closed end mantle of glass cloth or similar material with the mantle being supported removably from the adapter body and being supported by a wire frame with both the mantle and wire frame being removable to enable replacement of the elongated cylindrical light bulb.

Abstract: Candoluminescent material constituted by a mixture of finely divided oxides brought into the form of a net identical to a textile. This mixture has the following molar compositions:75 to 90% zirconia,5 to 20% of yttrium oxide or calcium oxide and yttrium oxide.2 to 15% of magnesia, or magnesia and alumina,0.01 to 1% in all of oxides of iron, chrome, manganese, praseodymium and/or cerium.

Abstract: A high output, narrow band thermally energized radiation source comprises a rare earth oxide radiator member that has a cross-sectional dimension in the range of five to thirty micrometers, the rare earth oxide radiator member, when heated to about 1700.degree. C., having a concentrated radiated flux over the 400-2500 nanometer wavelength range such that at least 50% of the radiated flux is within a spectral band that is less than 400 nanometers wide.

Abstract: Incandescent mantles of improved strength and durability are provided for use with fuel-burning lanterns. The mantles are characterized by the use of a hydroxide mixture on the mantle sack of which the primary component is yttrium hydroxide together with a critical proportion of cerium hydroxide, whereby on conversion of the hydroxides to the corresponding oxides of the incandescent mantle, illumination is provided of a candle power comparable to that of the standard thorium oxide-cerium oxide mantles while at the same time obtaining a mantle of greatly increased strength and durability, as needed especially for use with fuel-burning lanterns where the mantles are subjected to frequent mechanical shocks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a candoluminescent material, its preparation process and its use as a gas lamp mantle.This condoluminescent material is constituted by a mixture of finely divided oxides brought into the form of a netting identical to a textile, wherein it comprises 75 to 90 molar % of zirconium oxide ZrO.sub.2, 10 to 25 molar % of calcium oxide CaO, 0 to 5% of aluminum oxide and/or magnesium oxide and 0 to 1% in all of one or more oxides chosen from the group including iron oxide, manganese oxide, praseodymium oxide and cerium oxide.It is prepared by impregnating a combustible textile with a solution of zirconium and calcium salts, optionally containing aluminum, aluminum, iron, manganese, praseodymium and/or cerium salts and then subjecting the impregnated textile to a combustion process in order to eliminate the textile and transform the salts into oxides.

Abstract: A hand-held lighting device employing an incandescent mantle as a light source and having a pilot burner fixedly mounted within the lighting device housing adjacent a mantle mounting, the pilot burner being aspirated to promote efficient combustion and reduce the accumulation of soot on the interior of the housing. The pilot burner is ignited by an ignition assembly, such as a flint wheel, which is actuable from outside of the housing.

Abstract: A gas warmer for use in cold regions which can be carried on the body and uses gas as fuel. The warmer comprises a closed container filled with gas fuel, and having igniter means similar to that of a cigarette lighter. In addition, the warmer contains a flow-controlled gas outlet pipe coupled to an external retainer for holding a roll of metallic cotton. When the igniter is lit, the metallic cotton is heated to incandescence. Gas fed to the metallic cotton heating element keeps the cotton in incandescence as long as the gas flow continues, even after the igniter is turned off.

Abstract: An infrared radiating burner article, for generating infrared radiation. The article is conectable to a system for mixing air and gas and supplying such air/gas mixture thereto.The structure includes a housing, having an opening extending therethrough through which the air/gas mixture may be fired in use. The structure further includes diffuser plates, for diffusing the air/gas mixture upon firing thereof through the housing opening so as to generate substantial pressure in such air/gas mixture. The diffuser plate is secured in the housing opening in the path of movement of the air/gas mixture upon firing thereof through the housing opening. The structure further includes a refractory grid, positioned in the housing opening in the path of movement of the air/gas mixture. The refractory grid is positioned at a point in the housing opening beyond the location of the diffuser plates. The air/gas mixture is fed through the refractory grid.