Abstract: There is provided a flameless catalytic burner system employing a catalytic bed assembly (20) for catalyzing the oxidation of a fuel stream. The catalytic bed assembly (20) includes first and second retaining members (122, 124) which define a compartment therebetween. The catalytic bed assembly (120) also includes a plurality of catalytic members (126) disposed within the compartment. The first retaining member (122) is formed with an upstream face portion (1220) transversely extending relative to the fuel stream to describe a convex peripheral contour about at least a portion of the compartment. The second retaining member (124) is formed with a downstream face portion (1240) transversely extending relative to the fuel stream to describe a concave peripheral contour about at least a portion of the compartment. The upstream face portion (1220) is greater in surface area than the downstream face portion (1240).

Abstract: There is provided an automatic burner driven generator system for powering a load. The Generator system generally comprises a burner unit for generating a thermal energy; a thermoelectric converter unit operatively coupled to the burner unit for transducing at least a portion of the thermal energy to a first electric power signal; a rechargeable battery unit operable to generate an output power signal for powering the load; a charging unit operably coupled to the thermoelectric converter and rechargeable battery units; and, a controller for automatically controlling the actuation of the units in programmed manner. The charging unit is operable to adaptively convert the first electric power signal to a second electric power signal for charging the rechargeable battery unit. The controller includes a microprocessor unit programmable configured to selectively actuate the units in accordance with a plurality of predetermined operational states.