Abstract: A soldering iron (1) comprises a soldering head (4) connected to a handle (2). A cylindrical catalytic element (20) located in a combustion chamber (8) converts gas to heat for heating a soldering tip (15). An electrode (40) located within the catalytic element (20) initially ignites a fuel gas/air mixture to burn in a flame (42) within the catalytic element (20) for raising the temperature of a downstream portion (50) of the catalytic element (20) to its ignition temperature. Heat from the downstream portion (50) raises an upstream portion (51) of the catalytic element (20) upstream of the flame (42) to its ignition temperature, which then commences to convert the fuel gas/air mixture to heat. This starves the flame (42) of fuel gas/air mixture, thus extinguishing the flame (42) so that the catalytic element (20) continues to convert fuel gas/air mixture to heat in a catalytic reaction.

Abstract: A gas powered soldering tool (1) comprising a main body member (4) terminating in a soldering tip portion (8) has a combustion chamber (10) located therein. A gas catalytic combustion element (12) is located in the combustion chamber (10), and fuel gas is delivered into the combustion chamber (10) from a jet nozzle (15) and an air mixing venturi bore (17). A temperature responsive controller (28) for controlling the fuel gas supply to the jet nozzle (15) comprises a valve (39) having a valving member (58) which is operable by a permanent magnet (63) slidably located in a bore (64). A first member (70) of thermomagnetic material the Curie point of which is substantially similar to the temperature at which the main body member (4) is to be controlled is located at one end of the bore (64).

Abstract: A soldering tool (1) comprising a main housing (2) within which is located a fuel gas reservoir (4). A soldering body member (5) terminates in a rearwardly extending combustion chamber (11) within which is located a gas catalytic combustion element (14). A gas/air mixture is delivered through a jet outlet (21) where it is initially burnt with a flame in a flame combustion chamber (24) for raising the catalytic combustion element (14) to its ignition temperature. A piezoelectric ignition element (50) provides a spark across a spark gap (56) adjacent an electrode (55) for igniting the gas/air mixture to burn with a flame. An interrupt member (67) located downstream of a nozzle bore (28) temporarily interrupts the flow of fuel gas to the jet outlet (21) for extinguishing the flame after the catalytic combustion element (14) has been raised to its ignition temperature. A slidable actuator member (60) in the housing (2) sequentially operates the piezoelectric ignition element (50) and the interrupt member (67).

Abstract: A gas powered heating tool comprises a handle and a head which comprises a soldering tool element. Gas from a reservoir in the handle is delivered through a gas supply pipe to a combustion chamber where it is converted to heat by a catalytic heating element for heating the tool element. A nozzle orifice in a nozzle delivers a jet of gas through the gas supply pipe. The gas supply pipe conducts heat from the combustion chamber to a heat transfer member which in turn conducts heat to the nozzle to prevent freezing of gas in the nozzle orifice. Heat is also conducted to gas supply control means in the handle to prevent gas freezing.

Abstract: A soldering tool comprising a soldering tip and a handle in which is housed a fuel gas reservoir. Gas is delivered from the reservoir through the handle to a permeable gas catalytic combustion element to heat the soldering tip. The catalytic element extends around a support member. Heat is conducted from the support member into the soldering portion of the tip.