Abstract: A fuel control system for use with a source of pressurized fuel includes housing structure defining an inlet, an outlet, a check valve chamber and a regulating valve chamber disposed between the inlet and outlet structures. Check valve structure is disposed in the check valve chamber for preventing liquid fuel from reaching the outlet structure, and control valve structure is disposed in the regulating valve chamber. The control valve structure includes diaphragm structure dividing the regulating valve chamber into a downstream chamber open to atmospheric pressure and an upstream chamber on the opposite side of the diaphragm structure that is in communication with the check valve chamber.

Abstract: A process for producing a sturdy refractory metal oxide article includes the steps of heating a substrate of organic material impregnated with a metal compound to thermally decompose the compound without substantial thermal decomposition of the substrate, further heating to decompose and remove the organic material and complete conversion of the compound to a metal oxide so that a metal oxide replica of the substrate remains and further heating to sinter and densify the replica such that the replica has a strength (shock resistance) figure of merit of at least three g-meters and the replica retains such strength after heating to 1500 C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulsating gas fuel light source, utilizing a flexible diaphragm secured within a housing that reciprocates between two positions to generate a pulsating fuel flow thereby providing a lamp which flashes at regular intervals. The pulsating gas fuel light source is suitable for use as a highly visible warning light for construction sites on highways to warn passing traffic.

Abstract: A mechanically durable, highly luminous mantle for a gas-powered light source.

Abstract: A process for producing a sturdy refractory metal oxide articles includes the steps of heating a substrate or organic material impregnated with a metal nitrate compound in an atmosphere in which the partial pressure of oxygen is less than two mm Hg to increase the temperature of the substrate at a rate of at least two degrees Celsius per minute to thermally decompose the metal nitrate compound as a step in the conversion of the metal nitrate compound to a refractory metal oxide such that evolved oxides of nitrogen interact with the organic substrate material to partially oxidize the organic substrate material.

Abstract: A gas mantle has an operating color temperature of about 2300K and consists essentially of from about one percent to ten percent by weight of ceria and from about ninety percent to ninety-nine percent by weight of erbia.

Abstract: A two-stage fuel regulator, adapted for operation in any orientation and over a wide temperature range, which includes a pressure limiter, a fuel vaporizer, a low pressure cutoff and an on/off switch. The first stage includes an inlet from a fuel storage tank where the fuel is maintained in a two-phase system of liquid and vapor. The tank inlet opens to one side of a diaphragm having a throughgoing hole surrounded by an annular valve face. A space on the other side of the diaphragm defines an expansion chamber. By adjusting the biasing force with which the valve face abuts a valve seat, the expansion chamber pressure may be maintained to be less, by a predetermined pressure difference (e.g., 1 psi), than the tank pressure, whereby vaporization of all fuel in the expansion chamber is assured. Additionally, whenever the tank pressure drops below the predetermined pressure difference (e.g., when the fuel supply is low or in a cold environment), passage of fuel into the expansion chamber is prohibited.

Abstract: A gas lighter provides a power source for a curling device, such as a curling iron or styling wand. The lighter is positioned and releasably retained in the hollow handle, in a first position. When the gas lighter is inserted further into the hollow handle in a second position, a valve actuating lever of the gas lighter is depressed to initiate fuel flow. Concomitantly, a flint wheel of the gas lighter is engaged and turned to cause the fuel to ignite. The lighter is held in place by a gripping position of a bi-metal member. When the temperature of a barrel of the curling device exceeds a predetermined amount, the gripping portion of the bi-metal member releases its hold on the gas lighter, and the lighter is allowed to return to the first position. In a preferred embodiment, the curling device is provided with a hair clip, which when raised from a hair winding portion of the barrel, trips the bi-metal member to release the gas lighter from the second position.

Abstract: A catalytic heating means is disposed in a heating chamber of a tubular body member defining a hair winding portion. The curling device includes a supply of a liquid fuel and aspirating means for vaporizing the fuel and mixing the vaporized fuel with air to supply a vaporized fuel/air mixture to the catalytic heating means. A temperature control means automatically regulates the flow of vaporized fuel in response to the temperature of the heating chamber.

Abstract: A catalytic heating means is disposed in a heating chamber of a tubular body member defining a hair winding portion. The curling device includes a supply of a liquid fuel and aspirating means for vaporizing the fuel and mixing the vaporized fuel with air to supply a vaporized fuel/air mixture to the catalytic heating means. A self-contained ignition means proximate the catalytic heating means is provided for initiating the oxidation of the vaporized fuel/air mixture in the presence of the catalyst. The catalytic heating means includes a woven sleeve with an unravelled end to act as a flame arrestor and increase ignition efficiency.