Abstract: The specification describes a method and means for controlling operation of a fluidized bed combustion apparatus. In the proposals embodied in the invention the supply of combustion air fed to the fluidized bed is augmented by inert gas (preferably waste gas taken from a low temperature outlet of the apparatus) and the proportion of inert gas used to augment the combustion supporting air is variable in dependence upon the temperature of the fluidized bed in the apparatus and/or the thermal demand placed upon the apparatus. In described embodiments of means enabling the invention to be effected arrangements are described including an induced draft fan, coupled to the outlet for waste gas of the apparatus, for feeding waste gas to a mixer and the use of a two input mixer fan coupled to both atmosphere and a waste gas supply line connected to a waste gas outlet.

Abstract: High-pressure air from the air supply is admitted into the heater system through a pressure regulator. Fuel, such as propane, enters the system from a fuel canister. The air and fuel of controlled volumes mix and flow together into a catalytic combustion chamber where combustion is initiated by a spark generator. The heat of combustion is caused to pass through the walls of the combustion chamber, then through thermoelectric modules, converting part of the heat to electricity. The remaining and larger part of the heat passes to a heat exchanger on the opposite side of the thermoelectric module. Circulating water passes through the heat-exchanging chamber, absorbs the heat produced by the combustion reaction and is further pumped to the diver's suit. The electricity generated by the thermoelectric modules is used to power an electric motor driving a circulating pump.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a solar collector, three heat exchangers operating at different temperature levels and connected in series on the service-water side, a latent-heat store, various lines and valves, a circulating pump and an electrical operation-control circuit responsive to the temperatures sensed by various temperature sensors located in the above mentioned components. The two heat-exchangers operating at the higher temperature levels are each by-passed by a mixing valve on the service-water side. Depending on the solar radiation or the temperature of the circulating medium, the heat exchangers at the higher or lower temperature level or combinations thereof are successively connected to the circulating medium.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved solar collector of the type employing two concentrically disposed glass tubes having their axial end portions sealingly united to form a double-walled structure, with the annular space between the inner and outer glass tubes being highly evacuated. A heat transfer fluid flows thru the inner tube. The outer surface of the innermost tube is provided with a coating of a solar energy absorbent material to trap energy incident upon the outer tube within the inner tube and the heat transfer fluid. At least one axial section of the inner glass tube is radially inwardly deformed to define a unique bellows configuration to permit absorption of differential thermal expansion of the inner and outer tubes. Improved means for connecting such double-walled tubes in end to end relationship to define a conduit for the heat transfer fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas lighter includes a fuel container, a trigger and a fuel control knob in the handle, and a piezoelectric switch operable by said trigger in the nozzle, said nozzle being prolonged sufficiently to keep the operator's hand at a safe distance from the gas flames taking place at the terminating end of said nozzle, said trigger being in engagement with a slidable lever, which is connected to a valve of said container at one end and is in engagement with said switch at the other end, said trigger and said knob being located in a range reachable by fingers of the same hand to grasp said handle with.

Abstract: A solar heat collecting device is provided which is modular in design and easily removable from its location adjacent the roof or wall of a structure, into the interior thereof for maintainance without disturbing the exterior surface of the roof or wall and thereby eliminates many of the difficulties associated with removal and maintainance of prior art collectors which are only removable from the exterior of the structure. The present invention reduces the possibility of leakage in the roof or wall where normal solar collectors would be secured and removed.

Abstract: A portable solar heater combines a self-contained hot air and heat storage system having a collector area with adjustable reflectors in a unit that can be moved from room to room as needed. The heater has fans for circulation of the solar heater air and provides both direct and indirect heat transfer to the ambient room air.

Abstract: A bed of solid particles on an air distributor of a fluidized-bed furnace is fluidized by upward currents of air fed through the distributor. A fuel to be burnt in the fluidized bed is premixed with carrying air, and the fuel-air mixture is fed into the bed from a burner extending upwardly through the distributor. For utmost combustion efficiency the ratio by mass of the feed rate of the fuel-carrying air to the sum of the feed rates of the fuel-carrying air and the bed-fluidizing air is adjusted by flow control valves so as to be in the range of from about 0.2 to 0.6. The head of the burner is of such construction that the fuel-air mixture is ejected therefrom in the form of swirling jets. The burner head is usually located about 50 millimeters above the distributor.

Abstract: A vertical shaft, attached to a windmill, rotates inside a first container which has a highly viscous fluid contained in it. A first set of perforated ribs extend radially outwards from the shaft. A second set of perforated ribs extend radially inwards from the first container. The two sets of ribs are vertically staggered with respect to each other so that when the shaft rotates, the first set of ribs do not come into physical contact with the second set of ribs. As the shaft rotates, the shearing action between the two sets of ribs forces the viscous fluid through the perforations in the two sets of ribs. This results in a pressure drop between the entrance and exit end of each perforation. The pressure drop results in heat dissipation in the viscous fluid. The viscous fluid is thereby heated. A second vessel containing water surrounds the first vessel. Heat transfer occurs across the first vessel to the water, thereby raising its temperature.