Abstract: A self-powered control system for a gas-fired appliance having a pilot burner and a main burner includes an emissive surface in the flame of the pilot burner and a photovoltaic device for irradiation from the emissive surface for providing electrical power for the control system. Two normally closed electromagnetic latching valves are arranged in series between a source of fuel gas and the main burner with a connection to the pilot burner between the two valves. The first valve is latched open when the photovoltaic device is irradiated by the emissive surface and is unlatched to close when the device is not so irradiated. The second valve is unlatched to close when the main burner is not burning. A double acting solenoid or the like is used for sequentially opening the first and second valves for lighting the pilot and main burners. A safe, reliable control system is thereby provided without external electrical power. Similar principles are used for powering a safety flue damper and air flow fan.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic electric generating system provides high thermal to electric conversion efficiency by use of matched radiation emitter and radiation collector. The radiation emitter comprises ceramic materials which emit thermally stimulated quantum radiation in at least two characteristic wavelength bands when heated above a threshold temperature. By employing a low emissivity ceramic doped with rare earth metal oxide, more than 50% of the radiation emitted from the surface can be concentrated in two or more characteristic wavelength bands. A multilayer photovoltaic device selectively absorbs the radiation at the characteristic wavelength bands for high electric conversion efficiency. An overlying layer of the photovoltaic collector selectively absorbs at least one of such characteristic wavelength bands and is transparent to another wavelength band which is absorbed by an underlying photovoltaic layer.

Abstract: A method for sealing a port in a wall through which an element is passed, comprising the steps of combining a water based fire-resistant liquid sealing material and a solid water absorbing means which will swell to prevent shrinkage to form a mixture that seals, and introducing the mixture into the port to seal the port. Materials and compositions for carrying out the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and a lifelike model of a human female breast form a breast cancer detection training system. The model closely simulates the feeding of the different tissues of the human breast and except for a tumor-free comparison model, contains at least one simulated tumor. When used in conjunction with the electronic training apparatus, the model also contains a pressure sensing means. The apparatus and method compare signals initiated by the trainee with stored signals representative of the number of simulated tumors in the model, their location, and the pressure required to feel them and provide feedback information to the trainee so as to improve the trainee's examination technique.