Abstract: A coupling assembly (56) for coupling an exhaust system to a pipe through which hot gases are discharged. The coupling assembly (56) couples the exhaust pipe (54) of a vehicle (16) to a flexible exhaust suction hose (42) of a vehicle emission capture system (10) of the type that discharges vehicle exhaust gases from within a structure (12) to a location outside of the structure. The coupling assembly includes two portions, one portion being a rubber-like boot (62) which is secured to the free end (42.3) of a flexible suction hose (42), the rubber-like boot carrying near its free end (62.2) a garter spring (64), and the other portion of the coupling assembly being a ball adaptor (60) which may be secured to the tail pipe (54) of a vehicle. The ball adaptor has a connection portion (60.1) and a spherical portion (60.3) through which hot exhaust gases may pass. The major external diameter of the spherical portion of the ball adaptor is slightly greater than the internal diameter of the garter spring (64).

Abstract: An improved apparatus (11) for emitting infrared radiation of a desired wavelength includes a primary surface (35); a burner (24) for raising the temperature of the primary surface so as to cause the primary surface to emit infrared radiation of a first wavelength; a secondary surface (26) surrounding the primary surface in spaced relation thereto and arranged to be heated by infrared radiation emitted by the first surface and for emitting infrared radiation of a second wavelength toward the object; and an actuator (28) for selectively varying the spacing between the primary and secondary surfaces so that infrared radiation emitted by the secondary surface will be at a desired wavelength and will be focused; whereby the apparatus will emit infrared radiation of a desired wavelength toward the object.

Abstract: A burner assembly (10) for a radiant heater of the infrared type. The burner assembly includes a burner tube (12), a generally cylindrical mixing cup assembly (14), means (16) for mounting the cup assembly within the burner tube, means (18) for introducing air into the upstream end of the burner tube, and means (20) for introducing combustible gas into the burner cup, the gas and air being thoroughly mixed together in the burner cup. The cup assembly includes a generally cylindrical mixer tube (32), and passageway means at the downstream end, the passageway means including a ceramic block (34) and a metallic grid (36) in contact with the downstream face of the ceramic block. The ceramic block has a plurality of relatively small orifices (34.1) which extend through the block. The metallic grid (36) has a plurality of relatively small apertures (36.3) and a large central aperture (36.4).

Abstract: A control assembly in combination with a thermostatically responsive apparatus. In a preferred mode the principles of the present invention are applied to an infra-red heating system of the type including burner assemblies (12, 12') connected in series by a heating pipe (14), the assemblies being further connected by heating pipes (14) to a vacuum pump (40). The pump (40) is driven by a variable-speed electric motor (42) which is responsive to a thermostat (16) which may initiate, through control panel (15), operation of the burner assemblies. The burning rate of the burner assemblies is controlled by varying the speed of the electric motor and this is accomplished by the control assembly (44) which is responsive to indoor and outdoor temperature sensing devices (48, 50). The control assembly is initially programmed with climatic data which is correlated with operational speeds of the pump to give desired thermal operational characteristics of the burners at differing temperature ranges.

Abstract: An improved apparatus (11) for emitting infrared radiation of a desired wavelength includes a primary surface (.[.35.]. .Iadd.25.Iaddend.); a burner (24) for raising the temperature of the primary surface so as to cause the primary surface to emit infrared radiation of a first wavelength; a secondary surface (26) surrounding the primary surface in spaced relation thereto and arranged to be heated by infrared radiation emitted by the first surface and for emitting infrared radiation of a second wavelength toward the object; and an actuator (28) for selectively varying the spacing between the primary and secondary surfaces so that infrared radiation emitted by the secondary surface .[.will be at a desired wavelength and.]. will be focused; whereby the apparatus will emit infrared radiation of a desired wavelength toward the object.