Abstract: In a gas-fired stove or oven, gas is burned in a porous ceramic surface combustion burner which generates selective emissive radiation in a narrow band. The high temperature surface of the burner includes a narrow band quantum emitting substance such as rare earth metal oxide. Relatively shorter wavelength radiation from this quantum emitting surface illuminates process targets having an absorption spectrum nearly matched to the emission spectrum of the burner surface, for a variety of applications such as cooking. The selected emission may be passed through a glass top stove to heat a pot with an absorptive bottom or may pass on through a glass pot to heat the food directly.

Abstract: Securement of flat heat exchange surfaces, particularly fins to tubular conduits of a heat exchanger. The heat exchange material is formed into upper and lower, or first and second pieces having longitudinal, partially circular recesses parallel to the length of a tube for engaging opposite sides of the tube. The radii of the recesses corresponds to the outer diameter of the tube. The recesses extend through less than 180.degree. so that the flat parts of the heat exchange surface are spaced leaving a gap prior to securement to the tubes. The two pieces are initially formed to interengage in such a way that they can be joined by lock seaming on opposite sides of the tube. Forces are applied to the interengaged pieces, forcing them together, stretching the heat exchange material at the recesses, thereby producing a tight interference fit between the heat exchange surfaces and the tube to provide minimum resistance to conduction of heat and at the same time securing the pieces together by lock seaming.

Abstract: Securement of flat heat exchange surfaces, particularly fins to tubular conduits of a heat exchanger. The heat exchange material has longitudinal, partially circular recesses parallel to the length of a tube for engaging opposite sides of the tube. The radii of the recesses corresponds to the outer diameter of the tube. The recesses extend through less than 180.degree. so that the flat parts of the heat exchange surface are spaced prior to securement to the tubes. Forces are applied normally to the surfaces, forcing them together, stretching the heat exchange material at the recesses, thereby producing a tight interference fit between the heat exchange surfaces and the tube to provide minimum resistance to conduction of heat. Securement may be by spot welding, riveting, or otherwise. The tube remains round and undeformed so the cross sectional heat exchange area remains the same.

Abstract: A heat exchanger or boiler has a bypass between the inlet and the outlet. The outlet includes a chamber having a partition with a thermostatically controlled valve, which controls flow of heating medium from the heat exchanger to the outlet connection. The thermostat maintains the temperature at the chamber. The bypass is from an inlet chamber to the space beyond the thermostat. The thermostatic valve, itself, is of a typical known construction consisting of a valve member actuated relative to a port in a plate by means of a thermostatic element axially positioned relative to the valve member. The plate forms part of a partition formed in a header member which forms a chamber at the outlet of the heat exchanger from which the heating medium flows through the thermostatic valve, to the outlet conduit. The bypass is controlled by a plate partially obstructing a passageway and it may be flexible to respond to flow of medium to have a throttling effect.

Abstract: A five-way valve embodying a cylindrical body with valve seats and cooperating valve discs operable by a stem and having associated inlet and outlet ports. The stem is actuatable by pistons in the cylindrical body. The pistons are driven by pressure under the control of three-way valves. The valve structure is adaptable for use in a swimming pool heating system having a primary pool heater and also a solar heater. The water is circulated by a pump pumping through a filter. The three-way valves are controlled in response to a thermostat responsive to temperature at the solar heater. The three-way valves respond to water pressure differential as between the upstream and downstream sides of the pump in the system.

Abstract: A servo valve control system exemplified by way of temperature controlled gas valves. Multiple slave pressure regulating valves are utilized supplying multiple burner manifolds. The first valve of the group of valves is modulated in response to temperature. The outlet pressure of each valve is utilized to bias and thereby modulate the next pressure regulating valve. The first valve, preferably is also controlled in response to an outdoor temperature sensor.

Abstract: Porous, tubular core sections coated with a semipermeable membrane are joined at their ends by a simplified coupling member. Each coupling member or connector comprises a cylindrical flange member having helically ribbed or barbed nipples which fit tightly into the ends of bores of adjacent core sections. The ends of the cores abut against the circular part of the coupling member. The ribs on the nipples on the coupling member are resilient and deform when inserted. The nipples have neck parts of a smaller diameter adjacent the body part of the coupling member providing annular spaces between these neck parts and the bores of core members permitting continuous flow of permeate and cleaning solution into these spaces and helically along the nipples. There are no appendages, cavities or pockets in which permeate or cleaning solution could be trapped.