Abstract: A portable heater assembly includes a fan module, an electrical ignition assembly, a heating apparatus, and an encasement. The encasement supports and houses the fan module, the electrical ignition assembly, and the heating apparatus. The fan module includes a fan, an electric switch, and electrical wiring, the electrical wiring interconnecting the fan, electric switch and a power source. The electric switch activates the fan by forming a closed electrical circuit within the electrical wiring between the power source and the fan. The electrical ignition assembly includes an electrical ignition device, a spark-emitting electrode tip protruding from the electrical ignition device, and an ignition activator connected to the electrical ignition device by an activator connector.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid container for use with a cam-activated fluid outlet connector. The container includes a canister, for containing pressurized fluid and a canister cap sealing an end of the canister. The cap includes (i) a base, (ii) a pedestal protruding from the base, the pedestal including a non-cylindrical camming surface adapted to engage a corresponding surface of the cam-activated connector, (iii) a fluid outlet disposed through the pedestal, and (iv) an annular perimeter wall extended from the base around the pedestal, the perimeter wall having a groove therein.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for combusting a fuel-air mixture which includes a combustion chamber with an inlet at one end and a combustion outlet at the other end, a catalyst-containing substrate disposed in the combustion chamber, a fuel supply in communication with the inlet for supplying fuel, and a fuel-air mixing assembly for providing a uniform fuel-air mixture to the combustion chamber. The mixing assembly includes one or more openings for drawing a controlled proportion of primary air which is mixed with the fuel and combusted in the combustion chamber. The use of primary air improves efficiency and reduces the reliance on secondary air. Limiting the proportion of primary air to approximately 15-20% of the stoichiometric mass of air required substantially reduces the emission of hazardous combustion by-products such as carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A collapsible fuel-burning stove includes a burner assembly and a collapsible frame for supporting the burner assembly, the frame including a plurality of support members, the support members being pivotal relative to one another about a common axis on which the burner assembly is supported.

Abstract: A connector is provided for securing a conduit to a fluid source, which source includes a noncircular cylindrical pedestal having a fluid source outlet extending therethrough and an annular groove surrounding the pedestal. The connector includes an inlet port engageable with the fluid source outlet and an outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port and engageable with the conduit. A collet includes a base, and a plurality of fingers extending from the base substantially parallel to an axis of the inlet port, each finger being disposed a common radial distance from the axis of the inlet port and including a radially extending pawl spaced from the base. An annular cam has a noncircular cylindrical receptacle correspondingly engageable with the noncircular cylindrical pedestal of the fluid source and having an axis coincident with the axis of the inlet port.

Abstract: An LPG canister connector for a combustion appliance having a flow path from a canister containing liquid fuel and having a cap with outlet means at the upstream end of the flow path, a valve assembly adapted to be connected to the cap and equipped with a conduit adapted to be connected to a combustion appliance at the downstream end of the flow path, and promoters for vaporization of said fuel being located intermediate the ends of the flow path.

Abstract: A lantern includes an elongated tubular mantle which is attached to a burner assembly by a spring clip and an electronic ignitor for igniting fuel which flows into the mantle. The mantle is surrounded by a globe, and a wire guard surrounds the globe. A ventilator cap is removably attached to the burner assembly and to the wire guard so that the cap, wire guard, and globe can be removed as a unit from the burner assembly. A nut is rotatably captured on the ventilator cap for attaching the ventilator cap to the burner assembly. The fuel tank includes a wide, molded base which provides stable support. An air pump for the fuel tank includes a check valve which automatically opens and closes as air is pumped and a pressure indicator to indicate when the fuel tank reaches operating pressure. The pump is automatically lubricated on each stroke.

Abstract: A radiant heater which burns LPG fuel is provided with an improved burner assembly and an improved support assembly for mounting the heater on a propane tank. The heater includes a frame, a reflector mounted on the frame, and a burner assembly which is removably mounted within the reflector and the frame. The burner assembly includes a burner tube having an inlet end mounted within the frame and an outlet end positioned within the reflector. A generally dome-shaped screen is mounted on the outlet end of the burner tube, and a generally circular screen is attached to the dome-shaped screen substantially in alignment with the burner tube. A burner pan is mounted on the burner tube and surrounds the dome-shaped screen, and an outer screen extends across the burner pan. A thermocouple sensor and/or an igniter electrode on the frame extends through one or more openings in the burner pan.