Abstract: Novel solid fuel combustion and heat transfer geometry/process and illustrative embodiments, which include log burning space heaters, a boiler and a hot air heat exchanger are described. The illustrative boiler embodiment depicts a standard module that when joined with other similar modules makes the construction of any size boiler possible. The combuster is designed to burn nearly any solid fuel, depending on price and availability, and also incorporates an auxilliary fuel oil combuster to either aid in the combustion of certain solid fuels or to convert over entirely to fuel oil. This novel geometry/process consists of solid fuel dispersed over two nearly intersecting surfaces with a third adjustable surface introduced to provide control of the combustion rate by a mutual radiant feedback. The fuel retaining surfaces are so constructed and positioned to enhance radiant heat interchange which maintains highest combustion temperatures along fuel surfaces that are directed toward the heat absorbing medium.

Abstract: A burner pumps fuel through a fuel line and pumps air into a chamber. Air from the chamber and fuel from the fuel line enter a mixing chamber. The fuel and air mixture flow through an evaporator tube which extends into a combustion chamber and turns at two successive 90.degree. angles and releases the mixture in an opening facing the bottom of the chamber. Combustion air flows through the air chamber outward parallel to the combustion chamber walls in a labyrinth and then into an expansion chamber through air slots and past flow directing wings which give the combustion air a screw direction. Exhaust gas flows outward around the outer walls of the labyrinth. The evaporator tube has an outer area to inner volume ratio of 0.3 to 0.8.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a gaseous fuel containing water produced by a process, wherein a mixture gas of water, fuel and air is swirled with intense friction between them, contacted with metallic elements to receive thermoelectrons and activated at a temperature about 100.degree.-600.degree. C., as well as a process and apparatus for producing said fuel. When the gaseous fuel containing water by this invention is burned, the calorific value is greater than that of pure fuel combustion and the discharge of NO.sub.x and CO from the exhaust gas is small.

Abstract: The lighter of the present invention includes a handle for grasping by the user connected to a chamber for holding a disposable lighter. The chamber has a trigger mechanism connected thereto for depressing the fuel releasing element of the lighter. The chamber also has a hollow metal rod extending therefrom and aligned with the fuel supply element of the lighter in such a manner as to convey the fuel from the lighter to the end of the rod.

Abstract: An igniting device wherein an elongated and hollow tubular body member is fixed at one longitudinal end to a gasifiable fuel container, a rotary member having an axial shaft extended at an end to the other extended end of the body member is rotatably born adjacent the fixed end of the body member, and gasified fuel discharged at the extended end of the body member is ignited by a flame generating means which cooperates with the extended end of the shaft of the rotary member. The flame generating means thus disposed at a remote end from the fuel container utilized as gripping part of the device enables it possible to ignite easily and reliably even burners located relatively deeply inside gas equipments.

Abstract: A free standing ceramic fireplace having a refractory base member including a hearth extension adapted to rest on a floor of a mobile home or other type residence. The fireplace has a refractory ceramic outer shell supported on the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and has a refractory ceramic, generally spherical, combustion chamber supported within the shell and closed thereto. There is a combustion air inlet to the combustion chamber extending from below the floor and a combustion gas outlet in the combustion chamber. A flue is fitted in the gas outlet and extends upwardly through the ceiling of the room. There are aligned openings in the shell and combustion chamber for inserting solid fuel into the combustion chamber. A room air passage extends in the shell in a space outwardly of the combustion chamber and the passage has an upper opening through the shell to the room.

Abstract: A control system adapted to be secured to a solid fuel burner, such as a fireplace or a stove, to create and regulate forced fluid heat exchange and forced draft in the burner. The system comprises an electrical draft inducer/damper mounted in the burner flue, a fluid heat exchanger mounted over the burner firebox, and a control apparatus capable of deactivating the draft inducer/damper and the heat exchanger, automatically damping the flue, when combustion in the burner subsides. The control system, including the draft inducer/damper and heat exchanger, may be incorporated with a solid fuel burner, thus comprising a heating system.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a method and apparatus for maintaining a substantially constant salt density gradient in a non-convecting salt gradient pond. The apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention enables one to maintain a substantially constant salt density gradient automatically in a highly efficient, simple and economic manner.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle particularly suited for your use in compact combustion chambers. Successful combustion of liquid fuels having generally high viscosity and widely varying properties such as distillation temperatures, distillation rates and impurities, including "heavy" and waste oil. Improved combustion is accomplished through the use of viscosity control and improved fuel atomization. Use of a nozzle utilizing "shearing" of the fuel by an atomizing fluid stream which intersects the fuel at approximately right angles. Recombination of liquid fuel particles is prevented by the use of a controlled "exit orifice" in the burner nozzle. The nozzle also features continuous circulation of the fuel in the nozzle body which establishes orientation of impurities contained in the fuel relative to the exit orifice so that they are expelled through the orifice. Combustion of conventional distillate fuel oil such as API No. 1 and 2 is also provided.

Abstract: A composite glass and molded frame member. In a specific embodiment, one or more glass panels may be utilized in association with a generally U-shaped elastomeric packing and mold-piece seal strip with thin leg portions engaging the glass. The strip has a collapse or compression zone formed outboard and adjacent the edge portion of the glass to accommodate, inter alia, differing thermal expansions and contractions of the glass and the frame. The glass edge and strip are unitary with a perimeter frame of urethane plastic material which is molded over the glass edge and seal. The mold pieces of the molding apparatus have continuous raised or ridge portions adapted to engage the leg portions of the elastomeric strip on either side of the glass panel to prevent flow of plastic material over the glass surface area encircled by the ridge portions of the mold pieces.

Abstract: Freeze protected hot water solar heating apparatus for providing room heating and domestic hot water service comprising a solar heat collector, a water storage tank, a freeze protector, a fuel burning boiler, a heat exchanger, in-line sensors, and pumps for circulating the water. The freeze protector is in heat transference contact with the flue of the boiler. The freeze protector, controlled by a temperature sensor, prevents freezing of the water in the solar collector and additionally utilizes waste heat from the flue of the boiler to heat water anytime the boiler is in operation. The boiler is activated, upon the water in the water tank falling below a predetermined temperature. A thermostat controlled fan forces air over the heat exchanger to provide room heating. Check valves are provided for preventing back flow of water from the solar collector. The apparatus may also contain a heat pump having its heat transference coils adjacent to the heat exchanger for full utilization of forced air from the fan.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar central receiver or steam generating and superheating unit (20) comprised of a first and a second series of circularly disposed tube panels (21) and (23), respectively. The first series (21) including steam superheating tube panels (12-12') and (14-14') and the second series including steam generating tube panels (16-16'). The steam generating tube panels (16-16') being interposed between at least some of the steam superheating panels (12-12') and (14-14') and the solar heat source.

Abstract: The shaft of an oil burner drive motor carries a plate and means responsive to stopping of the shaft for moving the plate axially of the shaft in a direction to close the air intake duct and responsive to starting of the shaft for moving the plate axially in a direction to open the air intake duct.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve for use in liquified gas-filled lighters or the like to limit the maximum rate of flow, and corresponding height of flame, as a function of the degree of compression of a filter mass through which the gas must flow, including simple means for varying the degree of compression and a stop to establish a predetermined maximum flow rate.

Abstract: A photoflash lamp array of the FlipFlash type comprising a plurality of flash lamps, a reflector unit, a circuit board, and a flash indicator sheet. The reflector unit is provided with one or more indexing rim protrusions which extend into flash indicator openings in the circuit board for aligning the reflector unit to the circuit board.

Abstract: The panel for converting solar energy to sensible heat of a working fluid comprises a thermally-insulated and impervious base member overlayed with and spaced from a solar-collecting member or collector. The collector is in turn overlayed with and spaced from a pair of mutually spaced impervious films which are essentially transparent to incident solar radiation and substantially opaque to radiation emitted by the collector. The solar-collecting member consists of a thermally-insulating porous matrix substance and of a second substance affixed thereto. The second substance is in divided and substantially discrete form. The second substance exhibits a high degree of absorptivity for solar radiation and low emissivity for long wave radiation. The working fluid to be heated is admitted to a chamber underneath the solar-collecting member. The working fluid has a pressure sufficient to cause it to percolate through the collector.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing switch device having a housing provided with a fluid flow passage therethrough defined by an inlet and an outlet disposed in spaced coaxially aligned relation in the housing and separated by a valve seat controlled by a movable valve member that is operated by the pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet, the device having an electrical switch construction operatively associated with the valve member and having the switch contacts thereof actuated by the pressure differential. A pressure regulator is disposed in the housing for regulating the pressure of the fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet of the housing, the pressure regulator being disposed downstream from the main valve seat so as to act on the fluid after the same passes through the main valve seat from the inlet.

Abstract: Pipe flare having a flare stabilising ring at or near the gas outlet of the pipe. The ring is hollow and has holes of desired configuration and orientation through which gas may flow.

Abstract: A heater stove apparatus is disclosed as including an enclosed stove housing having a fire chamber in which a suitable fuel is burned for heating. A heat collector manifold is provided for receiving the combustion products from the fire chamber and a plurality of heat pipes extend between the fire chamber and the heat manifold for delivery of heat and combustion products to the heat collection manifold. An air flow path extends generally vertically the height of the heat pipes and horizontally along one of the dimensions of the stove housing with the path being defined in part by the bottom surface of the heat manifold in an upper surface of the fire chamber. A means is provided for circulating air generally through the stove housing along the air flow path. A unique draft door arrangement is provided which rids the fire chamber of smoke prior to the door being opened for access to the interior of the fire chamber.

Abstract: A room space such as a caravan is provided with a gas fired space heater having an upright casing within which is located a sealed surface combustion unit having a radiant plaque on one side of which gas is burnt. Primary and secondary air for combustion are fed from inlets below the floor of the room to appropriate sides of the plaque. The products of combustion pass upwardly to an upper part of the casing and then are deflected by a baffle sideways and downwardly to an outlet located below the plaque and below the floor of the room.