Abstract: A process for producing a sturdy refractory metal oxide article includes the steps of heating a substrate of organic material impregnated with a metal compound to thermally decompose the compound without substantial thermal decomposition of the substrate, further heating to decompose and remove the organic material and complete conversion of the compound to a metal oxide so that a metal oxide replica of the substrate remains and further heating to sinter and densify the replica such that the replica has a strength (shock resistance) figure of merit of at least three g-meters and the replica retains such strength after heating to 1500 C.

Abstract: An incandescent gas mantle assembly includes a metal coupling member and a mantle supporting sleeve member of thermally resistant material that has a skirt portion to which a metal oxide mantle sock is secured in depending relation. The metal coupling member has a body portion of disc configuration with an outer periphery and an inner periphery, a plurality of inwardly extending first coupling portions integral with and spaced about the body portion for attachment to a cooperating burner head, and a plurality of second coupling portions integral with and spaced about the body portion, the second coupling portions being in coupling engagement with recess structure of the mantle supporting sleeve member.

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: The present invention relates to a pulsating gas fuel light source, utilizing a flexible diaphragm secured within a housing that reciprocates between two positions to generate a pulsating fuel flow thereby providing a lamp which flashes at regular intervals. The pulsating gas fuel light source is suitable for use as a highly visible warning light for construction sites on highways to warn passing traffic.

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: A mechanically durable, highly luminous mantle for a gas-powered light source.

Abstract: A process for producing a sturdy refractory metal oxide articles includes the steps of heating a substrate or organic material impregnated with a metal nitrate compound in an atmosphere in which the partial pressure of oxygen is less than two mm Hg to increase the temperature of the substrate at a rate of at least two degrees Celsius per minute to thermally decompose the metal nitrate compound as a step in the conversion of the metal nitrate compound to a refractory metal oxide such that evolved oxides of nitrogen interact with the organic substrate material to partially oxidize the organic substrate material.

Abstract: A gas mantle has an operating color temperature of about 2300K and consists essentially of from about one percent to ten percent by weight of ceria and from about ninety percent to ninety-nine percent by weight of erbia.

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: 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: A thermophotovoltaic energy conversion system includes a thermal energy source and a narrow band emitter spaced and optically isolated from the thermal energy source. Thermal energy is transferred between the thermal energy source and the emitter by a non-radiative mechanism, such as a closed loop fluid flow path that interconnects the thermal energy source and the narrow band emitter. A photocell array is disposed in optically coupled relation to the narrow band emitter for generating an electrical output in response to radiation from the narrow band emitter.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic system includes structure defining a diffusion flame burner having separate but adjacent fuel and oxidant inlets, and structure defining a combustion chamber in which an emitter structure is disposed for exposure to combustion products of the burner. The combustion products heat the emitter structure and cause the emission of spectrally distributed radiation. Disposed in optically coupled relation to the emitter structure are one or more photocells for converting energy radiated by the emitter structure to electrical energy, a close match between the spectrum of the photon energy radiated from the emitter structure and the electron production threshold of the photocell array resulting in enhanced efficiency. One portion of the combustion product stream is flowed from the combustion chamber through a recuperator to heat the incoming oxidant, and another portion of the combustion product stream is flowed into the combustion chamber.