Abstract: This invention relates to an electrically conductive silicon carbide heating unit that includes an axially elongated, silicon carbide tubular heating element which is electrically conductive. The heating element is provided with an annular flange that has an axial bore into which the electrode is extended. Silicon solder fills the gap in the bore, extends somewhat outwardly of the flange to provide a protective layer and provide a good electrical connection between the heater element and the electrode. A stainless steel sleeve is provided on the electrode to extend outwardly from the silicon solder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for soldering a metal electrode to an electrically conductive silicon carbide ceramic element and to a silicon carbide ceramic element made in accordance with the method. Silicon is used as the solder which provides a good electrical connection and, as the solder has approximately the same coefficient of expansion as the ceramic element mechanical stress due to temperature changes is minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making for a vapor burner a tubular fuel preparing chamber which opens into a combustion chamber and is heatable to a relatively high temperature. The fuel preparing chamber is cooperable with an air supply system which supplies combustion air and is formed with ceramic tubes which are heatable to a glow temperature for effecting ignition and effecting a cleansing temperature wherein deposits on the wall of the chamber are burned to ash. The fuel preparing chamber includes a plurality of ceramic parts including first and second smaller and larger diameter tube parts with the first tube part being pushed into the inlet section of the second tube part. The chamber also includes a ceramic closure part at the outlet end of the second tube with which it has a close fit. The method involves assembling the ceramic parts and unifying them by said sintering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor burner for liquid fuel having an elongated gasifying chamber preceeding a combustion chamber which is heatable to gasifying temperatures by electrical heating apparatus. The gasifying chamber has an inlet for liquid fuel and an outlet for the gasified fuel feeding into the combustion chamber. The gasifying chamber is formed so that no forced air is admissible to the inlet thereof. The heating apparatus heats the gasifying chamber along the length thereof and includes apparatus surrounding the outlet end thereof to form a glow zone heatable to the fuel mixture ignition temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vapor burner having a tubular fuel preparing chamber which opens into a combustion chamber and is heatable to a relatively high temperature. The fuel preparing chamber is cooperable with an air supply system which supplies combustion air. The fuel preparing chamber is formed with ceramic tubes which are heatable to a glow temperature for effecting ignition and effecting a cleansing temperature wherein deposits on the wall of the chamber are burned to ash.

Abstract: A self cleaning vapor burner for liquid fuel in communication with a combustion chamber. The burner includes an electrically heated evaporating tube. The supply of liquid fuel is periodically interrupted to the evaporating tube wherein the tube is heated to a predetermined cleaning temperature to effect deposits on the evaporating tube wall to ash.