Abstract: A power generating system comprises a solar concentrator defining an effectively concave reflective surface on a surface of the earth for concentrating incoming solar energy. A solar collector is disposed in an underground chamber provided with an access opening. The solar collector receives solar energy concentrated by the concentrator and converting the concentrated solar energy to another energy form, generally thermal energy, which is subsequently convertible to electrical power. Directional componentry is provided for directing concentrated solar energy from the concentrator along a predefined folded transmission path through the access opening to the collector.

Abstract: A burner has a burner tube and a nozzle holder mounted in one end of the burner tube. An igniter is positioned within the nozzle holder and acts to ignite any of the multi-liquid fuels which may be used with the burner. A nozzle emits atomized liquid fuel under the venturi effect of the nozzle with compressed air being supplied to the nozzle. Primary air holes extend circumferentially around the nozzle holder to admit air radially which passes directly to the burner tube. Secondary air holes extend around the inside circumference of the burner tube on the secondary air injection plate and admit air axially to the burner tube.

Abstract: Air heater comprising a gas burner and heat exchange means including at least one heat-exchange wall which separates a first passage for flow of air to be heated from a second passage for flow of the flue gases produced by the burner, the air to be heated being made to flow by blower means through the first passage, the hot flue gases flowing in counter current through the second passage, wherein the burner is of the radiation type, and the heat-exchange wall comprises a convective-exchange part and an absorption part for absorbing the radiation from the burner, the flue gases heating the air by convection mainly in the region of the convective-exchange part, the radiation from the burner being mainly emitted towards the absorption part, the air flowing over this absorption part after it has flowed over the convective-exchange part.

Abstract: A method of using internal combustion engine exhaust in a combined cycle power plant is disclosed, wherein the quality and distribution of exhaust to the boiler space of a steam generated electric power plant is controlled to achieve greater system efficiencies. Outside air is blended only with that portion of the exhaust that passes through the burner ports as secondary or higher level combustion gas. The remainder of the exhaust is provided to the boiler space by a route other than through the burner.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasing a scent upon exposure to heat including a housing formed by a cover member and a base member, a carrier material disposed within the housing and a scented material dispersed in the carrier material. The carrier material has a melting point of at least 185.degree. F. and is both chemically and physically stable at temperatures of up to 550.degree. F. This apparatus is particularly suitable for providing a pleasant scent to a room in association with a gas fireplace.

Abstract: A steam-jacketed kettle for cooking food includes a combustion chamber below the steam jacket. The combustion chamber is provided with an atmospheric gas burner for heating water in the steam jacket. The burner is disposed in an offset location at one side of the combustion chamber and a series of flue gas outlets are provided at the opposite side of the combustion chamber so that combustion gases tend to wash across the bottom wall of the steam jacket, for even heating. The flue gas outlets communicate with respective flue pipes that extend back through the steam jacket to a common flue gas collector, so that additional heat can be transferred from the gases in the flue pipes to the steam jacket.

Abstract: A process for combustion in an industrial furnace (1), using at least one burner (2; 3) supplied with combustible (4) and combustion supporting (5) fluids. The flow rate of at least one of the fluids is pulsed at a frequency comprised between 0.1 and 3 Hz. There is provided in the furnace (1) at least one pair of two burners (2A, 2B; 3A, 3B) disposed substantially confronting each other; and the fluid of the burners of a pair is pulsed in offset phase from one burner to the other. The frequency of pulsation is between 0.1 and 1 Hz. The flow rates of fluids are substantially identical for each burner (2A, 2B; 3A, 3B) of the pair. The power of the pair of burners is greater than 300 KW.

Abstract: A premixed gas burner has a hollow body including a closed end and an entry end into which a combustible gas and air mixture may flow. The body has a multiplicity of apertures through which the mixture may pass from the hollow interior. A burner portal deck is positioned in superposed relationship over the apertures for permitting the gas air mixture to form a controlled flame. A porous woven fabric formed from ceramic fiber having high thermal insulation properties is located above the deck and separates the deck from the flame front formed when the mixture is ignited. The fabric insulates the deck from excessive temperatures, prevents flash back, allows use of conventional stainless steel for the deck and body components and makes possible the manufacture of long burner sections. A long burner section has a number of decks in side-by-side relationship with an insulating fabric mat over the decks for not only providing insulation, but also forms a gasket between the adjacent decks.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes at least a pair of regenerative burner units having a fuel injection nozzle and a heat regenerator provided for a combustion air supply path. One regenerative burner unit is supplied with fuel through a fuel shut-off valve and a fuel change-over valve, and supplied with combustion air through a supply and exhaust change-over valve to perform combustion operation. The other regenerative burner unit performs heat regenerating operation by passing a combustion waste gas. Operations of the fuel shut-off valve, the fuel change-over valve and the supply and exhaust change-over valve are controlled depending upon an operation parameter of the heating apparatus.

Abstract: A pressurized space heater for burning gaseous fuel has as its main component a generally conical burner tube that receives at its narrow end a combustible mixture of fuel and primary air. Complete combustion in the tube is enhanced by two sets of holes disposed along the tube for admitting secondary air. The location, number and sizes of the holes are so chosen as to ensure complete combustion and to avoid the production of noxious substances.

Abstract: A gas burner comprising a housing with a front exit, a back surface, and an outer surface. The housing has a closed back surface at one end and an open exit at the other end. The housing is separated into a fuel-oxygen mixing chamber and a second chamber by a support plate. A multiplicity of jets passing through the support plate such that the fuel-oxygen mixing chamber is in communication with the second chamber through the jets. The fuel-oxygen mixing chamber has an inlet for a first-gas, usually a fuel gas, and an exit. The second chamber has an inlet for a second-gas, usually oxygen. The jets arranged such that each jet centerline is unique with respect to all other jet centerlines and each jet centerline is directed from the support plate to the housing exit.

Abstract: In a combustion chamber, a gaseous or liquid fuel is injected as a secondary flow into a gaseous, channelized main flow. The main flow is directed to pass over a plurality of vortex generators (9) arranged side by side over the width or circumference of the channel (20) through which the flow passes. The height (h) of the vortex generators is at least 50% of the height (H) of the channel through which the flow passes or of that part of the channel associated with the vortex generators. The secondary flow is introduced into the channel (20) in the immediate vicinity of the vortex generators (9). Longitudinal vortices without any recirculation region are produced in the channel through which the flow passes by means of the new static mixer. Extraordinarily short mixing distances, with a low pressure loss at the same time, are thus achieved in a combustion chamber according to the invention.

Abstract: A microwavable heat releasing and absorbing composition comprises paraffin wax, distilled water, polyacrylamide, mineral oil, glycerin, polypropylene glycol, acid and corn starch. By variation of the relative ratios of the components, the composition can take on a variety of consistencies and viscosities. The composition is capable of retaining its temperature for an extended period of time despite surrounding variations in temperature. It is also capable of maintaining its pliability and consistency over a wide range of temperatures. The composition has a high vapor point and is well-suited for heating in a microwave oven, or cooling in a freezer. The composition when placed in a suitable container can be used in hot-and-cold packs, as well a variety of other applications. Preferably, the container is enclosed in a vinyl package with transverse ribs.

Abstract: A control or regulating system for an automatic heat furnace is disclosed. This control system simplifies the construction of automatic gas furnaces for heating plants. The control system operates the furnaces with a high degree of efficiency and low pollutant emission, even at partial capacity. The adjusting element or mechanism for air is a blower with adjustable rotational speed which is driven by a motor. The motor is controllable by, preferably, digital pulse-width modulated control signals of a control aggregate acted upon by a regulator. A gas valve regulates the pressure of the gas supplied to the burner as a function of the air pressure in the line leading from the blower to the burner.

Abstract: An improved fireplace grate which controls the scattering of ashes from fire logs is disclosed. A shroud is attached to the outer edges of a fireplace grate so that ashes from burning logs are deflected inward toward the grate instead of outward onto the floor of the fireplace. A removable tray beneath the grate is provided to collect the ashes and allow the ashes to be disposed of by simply removing and emptying the tray.

Abstract: An article adapted for selectively utilizing solar radiation comprises an absorptive surface and a reflective surface, the absorptive surface and the reflective surface oriented to absorb solar radiation when the sun is in a relatively low position, and to reflect solar radiation when the sun is in a relatively high position.

Abstract: The gas cooking assembly of the invention includes at least one gas-fired burner which has a burner chamber and a burner plate, especially a burner plate made of fiber material, the gas-fired burner being arranged below a continuous cooking plate made of a material conductive to heat radiation such as a glass ceramic, glass, ceramic or the like material. Control units are provided for metering gas as well as conventional ignition units, safety units and temperature-monitoring units. Exhaust-gas channels conduct away combustion gases. A blower brings additional air to the burner plate. The blower and control unit are located in a partitioned-off space wherein an overpressure is maintained by the blower. The partitioned-off space is connected via pipes to the burner chamber and to the ambient. The pipes are gas tight at their peripheral surfaces in the region outside of said partitioned-off space.

Abstract: A firebox cabinet comprising a front panel, two side panels and a top panel is disclosed, the cabinet mounting flush onto a firebox having a mounting flange. The front panel contains an opening corresponding to the front firebox face, and two recesses surround this opening, the first adapted to receive the mounting flange, the second adapted to provide clearance for fastening members. The front panel locks onto the mounting flange, and the cabinet is preferably of modular construction whereby the components are joined together with self-interlocking joining means.

Abstract: A domestic barbecue grill is shown that has an exhaust manifold and smokestack in combination therewith that is operative to eliminate visible smoke particles and other combustible pollutants in the exhaust gasses that might otherwise flow freely from the smokestack. The device is operative to substantially burn up within the manifold all the visible smoke particles and other pollutants that flow from the cooking process taking place within the grill. The apparatus is operative to convert these emissions from the grill into invisible gaseous compounds before all of the exhaust gasses are discharged from the smokestack into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A frame having ground-engaging wheels and a hitch for attaching to a towing vehicle supports a pair of cooking elements, disposed back-to-back, a first pair being located at the forward portion of the frame, and a second pair disposed at the after portion of the frame. A large storage compartment including horizontal closures is interposed between the fore and aft cooking element pairs. A large fuel cylinder, connected to the supply lines of the cooking elements by flexible hose, is mounted on a wheeled gurney. The gurney is demountably secured to the tang of the frame when the apparatus is being transported. Once the apparatus is situated, the gurney provides for removal of the cylinder to a safe area.