Abstract: A heating apparatus is provided which is improved in terms of its heating efficiencies over prior commercially available patio heaters. The heating apparatus includes a burner assembly housing containing a burner assembly for igniting fuel from a fuel source. The housing has a perforated wall so that the hot gases inside the housing can escape from the housing interior with the wall heating up so as to radiate infrared heat therefrom. The apparatus has a heat efficiency system which causes substantially all of the heat emanating from the housing to be used for heating of a preselected area about the apparatus. The heat efficiency system maximizes the amount of heat that is directed in a generally downward direction into the preselected area below the housing so as to minimize the heat loss and thus the amount of fuel that is necessary for heating of the preselected area.

Abstract: The invention provides a radiant heater comprising a radiative heating element (15, 16); a housing (1), the underside of which is recessed to receive the radiative heating element (15, 16), the radiative heating element being disposed beneath the housing (1) such that its upper half is wholly within the recess, and at least a portion of its lower half protrudes downwardly from the recess; the recess having a heat reflective surface (5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b, 6c) for reflecting heat radiation from the radiative heating element (15,16) in a downwards direction; the housing (1) having means (9) enabling the attachment thereto of a reflective skirt (19) for focusing the radiation emitted from the radiative heating element (15,16).

Abstract: This invention relates to heating apparatus and particularly compact heating apparatus fuelled by a flammable fluid such as gas in which a visible flame is provided. The appearance of the visible flame and the fireplace setting within the heating apparatus is enhanced by the provisions of a reflective means positioned behind the fuel assembly to reflect an image of the assembly and/or the flame towards a viewing port in the front of the heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heater apparatus provides an exhausting of the emissions of the primary combustion directly into the room in which the heater is housed to return much of the otherwise exhausted heat into the room. The exhaust is put through a secondary combustion chamber including or comprising a catalytic converter before being exhausted into the room.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast cooking system through the use of an oven having radiant burners located interiorly at the top portion thereof. The oven includes a rotary spit on which the meat is supported and rotated to prevent burning. A blower is located at the lower portion of the oven below the spit to remove smoke and simultaneously pull heat from the top of the oven causing airflow downwardly from the top of the oven. The blower facilitates combustion and increases cooking efficiency and eliminates the need for a Ni-Cad screen adjacent the ceramic plates.

Abstract: A portable space heater includes a base suitable for insertion into a cup holder of a vehicle or other inhabitable strcuture. The base carries a post on which fuel containers are carried. A holder at the upper end of the post includes a clamp which retains a burner assembly in place with a heat reflector vertically spaced upward from the base. Fuel lines and suitable valving and fittings provide a controlled fuel flow to the heat reflector.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor utilizes radioactive heat with a high efficiency, has a radiation wavelength distribution rich in visible ray components, and is excellent in complete combustibility and visual confirmability even in a standby combustion condition. The present invention forms a thin film coat of metal or metal oxide which transmits rays having short wavelengths and reflects rays having long wavelengths on a surface of a transmission window disposed opposite to an upstream surface of a catalyst body. The catalyst body is composed of a metal wire structure having a high aperture ratio and is disposed in a combustion chamber. Furthermore, an auxiliary catalyst body which has a high aperture ratio and a small capacity is disposed in the vicinity of a mixed gas injection port at a location in contact with the mixed gas when the flow rate of the mixed gas is less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A gas burner assembly for a brooding house has a gas burner which is fabricated from a precision steel stamping process. The gas burner has a venturi tube which extends between an orifice fitting and a burner head. The burner head is manufactured from an upper and a lower burner head. Each upper and lower burner head defines a plurality of burner ports with the ports of the lower burner head being in registry with the ports in the upper burner head to define the ports in the upper burner head to define the ports for the gas burner. The upper and lower burner heads are mechanically connected by a series of tabs and slots formed on the upper and lower burner head.

Abstract: This invention provides a flammable fluid fuelled heater providing a direct opening into the primary combustion chamber to provide an unobstructed view of the fire. Any circulating means such as a fan may be provided adjacent the opening so as to provide an air curtain across the opening. This may limit the flow of air through the opening to reduce overall throughput as well as reducing spillage out the opening.In addition, the artificial log assembly in the fire may be arranged so that at least some of the logs meet collective surfaces at right angles so as to provide a visual continuity into the reflective surface and thereby provide a larger visual appearance to the fire.

Abstract: A gas burner assembly for a poultry house heater having a head that is fabricated from a metal stamping process. The gas burner has a venturi tube which extends between a burner orifice and a burner head. The burner head is manufactured from a top plate and a bottom plate. The top and bottom plates define about forty upper half and lower half burner ports wherein the lower half ports of the bottom plate are in registry with the upper half ports in the top plate to define the ports for the gas burner. The interior of the head is shaped to form a chamber around the junction with the venturi tube having a height greater than said ports, and the interior surface of the head is smooth and free of sharp edges. The top and bottom plates are mechanically connected by a series of tabs and slots formed on the top and bottom plates.

Abstract: A cooktop has a burner box. A porcelain wall is arranged to be removably fitted to the burner box so as form a burner box housing. The wall has a plurality of holes. Each porcelain bowl receives a corresponding heating element and has a basin which protrudes through a corresponding hole. A bowl shield is provided for each of the porcelains bowls such that each of the bowl shields is formed substantially around a corresponding basin. A plurality of controls control the heating elements. A temperature limit control deactivates at least one of the controls in the event of an over temperature condition.

Abstract: A catalytic heater includes a catalyst, for the combustion of a gaseous hydrocarbon in air, supported on a catalyst support. Fuel diffuses into the catalyst support from one (proximal) side. Air diffuses into the catalyst support from the other (distal) side. The catalytic combustion of the fuel heats the catalyst support. The resulting infrared radiation from the distal side of the catalyst support is directed at an object to be heated, for example the fluid chamber of a boiler. A modular boiler includes several catalytic heaters, with the distal sides of their catalyst supports facing a chamber wherethrough a fluid such as water is conducted and heated by the infrared radiation from the heaters.

Abstract: This invention relates to heating apparatus and particularly compact heating apparatus fuelled by a flammable fluid such as gas in which a visible flame is provided. The appearance of the visible flame and the fireplace setting within the heating apparatus is enhanced by the provision of a reflective means positioned behind the fuel assembly to reflect an image of the assembly and/or the flame towards a viewing port in the front of the heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heater apparatus provides an exhausting of the emissions of the primary combustion directly into the room in which the heater is housed to return much of the otherwise exhausted heat into the room. The exhaust is put through a secondary combustion chamber including or comprising a catalytic converter before being exhausted into the room.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device for burner heating apparatus provided with an air/gas mixture conduit including a Venturi element. This injection device comprises an injector holding tube (14), secured to a valve body (15) divided internally into two chambers by a membrane (23): an idle chamber (24) subjected to the pressure of the gas and communicating with the injector holding tube (14), and a compensation chamber (25) set to atmospheric pressure, enclosing a spring (27) able to urge the membrane (23) toward an idle mode state. This injection device comprises further a rod (31) secured to the membrane (23) and associated with idle mode stop means (34), said rod being extended by a tapered needle (33) arranged to traverse the injector (13) and determine with the latter a cross-section for the idle mode gas outlet, when the pressure of the gas is less than or equal to the idle mode pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to heating apparatus and particularly compact heating apparatus fuelled by a flammable fluid such as gas in which a visible flame is provided. The appearance of the visible flame and the fireplace setting within the heating apparatus is enhanced by the provision of a reflective means positioned behind the fuel assembly to reflect an image of the assembly and/or the flame towards a viewing portion in the front of the heater. Additionally or alternatively, the heater apparatus provides an exhausting of the emissions of the primary combustion directly into the room in which the heater is housed to return much of the otherwise exhausted heat into the room. The exhaust is put through a secondary combustion chamber including or comprising a catalytic converter before being exhausted into the room.

Abstract: A radiant heater which burns LPG fuel is provided with an improved burner assembly and an improved support assembly for mounting the heater on a propane tank. The heater includes a frame, a reflector mounted on the frame, and a burner assembly which is removably mounted within the reflector and the frame. The burner assembly includes a burner tube having an inlet end mounted within the frame and an outlet end positioned within the reflector. A generally dome-shaped screen is mounted on the outlet end of the burner tube, and a generally circular screen is attached to the dome-shaped screen substantially in alignment with the burner tube. A burner pan is mounted on the burner tube and surrounds the dome-shaped screen, and an outer screen extends across the burner pan. A thermocouple sensor and/or an igniter electrode on the frame extends through one or more openings in the burner pan.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a moxa treatment device which can be placed stabily on the surface of an affected part of a patient, requiring no adjustment of the ignited portion, and can efficiently concentrate the heat from the heat generating block towards the affected part over a long time, thus having a high heat efficiency. The device is provided with a hollow frustum of a cone or pyramid having a top opening and a bottom opening, a heat generating block installed inside the frustum of cone or pyramid, and a cover mounted on said top opening in such a way that the cover can be opened or closed as desired. Said heat generating block is comprised of a porous heat generator supporting block mounted near the top opening of said frustum of cone or pyramid and of a heat generator loaded in the supporting block.

Abstract: A space heating appliance includes a radiant duct which, when heated, emits radiant heat for heating an area adjacent the duct. An insulated cowling shrouds the side of the duct away from the area to be heated in spaced relation to the duct. The cowling has a heat-emissive surface which when heated emits radiant heat toward the space to be heated. Between the duct and cowling in closely spaced proximity to the duct is an insulated heat shield which traps and redirects heat back to the duct in order to maintain the duct at a higher temperature and concentrate the emission of heat in the direction of the area to be heated.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection and regulation device for burners for heating appliances equipped with a duct (4) for an air/gas mixture and comprising a Venturi element (5). According to the invention, the means of injection include at least two injectors (13, 18) arranged with their injection nozzles staggered longitudinally and oriented so that the axis of their flux converges on the heart of the Venturi element (5). Furthermore, one of the other injectors (13), named first stage, is calibrated so that it gives an injection flow corresponding to a minimum idling rate, and is connected in such a way as to be constantly supplied with gas. In addition, the means of regulation (16) are adapted to modulate the supply to each of the other injectors (18), named second stage, so as to obtain the power required.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a radiant heater on an LPG tank includes an elongated rigid support tube, a hook on the lower end of the support tube, and a generally U-shaped clamp is mounted on the tube for pivoting and transverse movement. The clamp includes a pair of legs which terminate in hooked ends and a cross piece which connects the legs. A stud is threadedly engaged with the cross piece and is engageable with the tube. When the stud is tightened against the tube, the hooked ends of the clamp legs pivot toward the hook on the bottom of the tube to clamp a collar of an LPG tank between the hook ends of the leg and the hook on the tube, and the tube moves transversely relative to the legs and is forced against the collar.

Abstract: An infrared heater, especially for construction purposes or for animal brooders in which the air duct passes through the reflector on the side of a glow body turned away from the surface to be irradiated so that the air duct is heated by the glow body. Within the heated region of the air duct, a filter is provided which is heated to red heat, thereby pyralizing or burning off deposits and maintaining the filter free from obstruction for long periods.

Abstract: Apparatus for suspending and connecting a pair of tubular members, particularly a pair of radiant heater tubes, wherein each tubular member has an expanded end and a straight end so that successive tubular members are connected by slip joints. The suspending and connecting apparatus of the preferred embodiment includes a pair of brackets fixedly secured to the body of one tubular member generally adjacent to the straight end thereof, and a pair of semi-circular clamping members forming a ring about the adjoining tubular member and engaging the expanded end thereof. Holes formed in the clamping members and brackets are alignable so that a pair of screws may be inserted therein to operatively engage a pair of nuts retained by the brackets. The brackets include holes for attachment to conventional suspension systems, so that one bracket for each tubular member may be employed to suspend the assembly from a ceiling or other overhead support structure.

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 combination heating and cooking apparatus that can be used by campers and sportsmen to provide warmth as well as to provide a convenient means for cooking a wide variety of foods at any selected location within the campground. The apparatus is completely self contained with the heating unit being connected directly to a source of heating gas, such as a small propane tank, and with the cooking accessory being removably connected to the heating unit. The cooking accessory adjustably supports the food being cooked directly in the path of the heat radiating from the burner so that the food can be initially seared to seal in its natural juices and can be progressively moved away from the burner to accomplish slow, uniform, no-flare grilling.

Abstract: A catalysis heating apparatus includes a catalytic combustion cell and a reflector made of two semi-circular sections which form the seat for a partition. Spacers create a gap between the combustion cell and the reflector and also accommodate an annular nozzle placed at one end of a channel. The partition center holds a ventilator which feeds air to said channel, while an electromagnetic valve controls the input of gas to the combustion cell. The assembly is held together by a section which comprises a grooved ring with an annular slot opening onto the inside, its two ends being fixed by rivets. A filtering compartment and a top are mounted on said grooved ring.

Abstract: An improved radiant heater for use in dusty environments and at low gas pressures. An open throat, single port burner, which is not subject to obstruction in dusty environments, directs combustion products vertically from a lower fuel input end to an upper flame-emanating end. The burner is adjustably mounted to a base unit so that air entrainment into the burner may be controlled by adjusting the distance between the base unit and the burner fuel input end. The burner conductance may be adjusted to operate at varying fuel input fluxes by attaching an area reduction means to the burner. The burner flame emanating end is directed into a combustion chamber which absorbs the heat generated by combustion and radiates the absorbed heat into the ambient. The lower surface of the combustion chamber has an aperture for receiving the burner flame emanating end, and acts as a heat shield. Control components, such as control circuitry and a fuel valve, are housed within the base unit, further shielding them from heat.

Abstract: A combination heating and cooking apparatus that can be used by campers and sportsmen to provide warmth as well as to provide a convenient means for cooking a wide variety of foods at any selected location within the campground. The apparatus is completely self contained with the heating unit being connected directly to a source of heating gas, such as a small propane tank, and with the cooking accessory being removably connected to the heating unit. The cooking accessory adjustably supports the food being cooked directly in the path of the heat radiating from the burner so that the food can be initially seared to seal in its natural juices and can be progressively moved away from the burner to accomplish slow, uniform, no-flare grilling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation heater for air/gas admixtures which includes a double-wall housing of a generally trapezoidal transverse cross-section defined by a top wall and downwardly convering side walls. The housing includes a burner plate between a mixing chamber and a radiation grid, and the mixing chamber is fed the air/fuel admixture from an injector nozzle, a mixing tube, a preheated intermediate chamber, and a transition zone or chamber. The injector nozzle and the mixing tube are located at the lower edge of the housing side wall(s) to thereby provide an intermediate chamber extending essentially the length of the side wall(s) along the exterior of which the hot waste gases flow or brush to preheat the fresh admixture of air and fuel in the intermediate chamber thereby effecting reliable operation at low gas pressures and low manufacturing and repair costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating apparatus of the infrared type, particularly intended for the agricultural industry for the directionally downward heating of breeder buildings. This apparatus comprises primarily, arranged on the interior of a reflective dome (1) secured on a gas/air mixture feed conduit (3), a primary combustion chamber of a conical shape, comprising a base wall, secured to the end of the feed conduit (3), and a conical wall (13) of a perforate conductive heat resistant material, and a diffusion pre-chamber, arranged in the primary combustion chamber (8) and comprising a wall (16) of a heat resistant material, perforated with holes having a maximum opening dimension of less than 1.5 mm, said wall having a conical shape, pointed downwardly, with an apex angle of less than that of the conical wall (13) of the primary chamber.

Abstract: A low NO.sub.x atmospheric gas burner is provided, which includes at least one burner tube having a plurality of gas outlet orifices terminating in a burner bed, and a plurality of plates disposed above the burner tube within the reach of the flame, which plates lower the temperature and effect a stepped combustion. According to the invention, the plates extend parallel to, and on opposite sides of, the orifices provided in the burner tube, and the orifices are arranged in a line parallel to the burner axis. The plates are connected direct to the burner tube substantially throughout the entire length of their lower edges.

Abstract: A liquid fuel combustion type infrared ray irradiating apparatus includes a base having a generally rectangular-shaped framework, each corner of which is provided with a wheel, a fuel tank fixed to the base, and a pump disposed on the base and adapted to pump fuel from the fuel tank. A combustion chamber is connected to a burner which receives fuel from the pump for combustion. An irradiation pipe is connected to the combustion chamber for guiding combustion gas from the combustion chamber into an upper chimney, receiving heat from the combustion gas, and irradiating infrared rays. Reflecting plates are disposed to forwardly reflect rearwardly directed radiant heat which has been radiated from the irradiation pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high output radiant heater which uses a heat exchanger to obtain a variety of types of heat from a single power source.

Abstract: A hanger for use in a low intensity radiant energy heating system. The hanger is used both for supporting the emitter tube/reflector assembly and as an air dam to prevent convection currents from flowing along the emitter tube due to temperature changes.

Abstract: A radiant-type heater is disclosed which has a deflection plate in an upper part of a casing, a burner in a lower part of the casing, and a heating element formed of a thin metal sheet. The heating element is suspended from the deflection plate downwardly towards the burner.

Abstract: The control means (10) are interposed lens-like between the radiant energy source (6) and the area to be irradiated, and comprise a structure (18) of open ended cells (22) that are adapted to transmit the energy while imaging it reflectively on the area to be irradiated in more or less intensified form than the source alone would provide by direct transmission to the area, depending on the location of the source with respect to the structure and the focal point thereof.

Abstract: A radiant plaque heater adapted primarily for overhead use comprises the combination of a combustion panel, an emitter panel, and a combustion product flue wherein combustion products flow across the emitter panel in the direction of the flue and heat the latter to produce radiation which supplements that emitted by the combustion panel.

Abstract: The control means (10) are interposed lens-like between the radiant energy source (6) and the area to be irradiated, and comprise a structure (18) of open ended cells (22) that are adapted to transmit the energy while imaging it reflectively on the area to be irradiated in more or less intensified form than the source alone would provide by direct transmission to the area, depending on the location of the source with respect to the structure and the focal point thereof.

Abstract: A far-infrared radiating system comprises a far-infrared radiating element (2) such as a ceramic, adhered to a metallic material (1) and radiating far-infrared rays upon heating. The system is constructed of a primary-radiating element (5) which is made of a metallic material while heated by a combustion gas passing therethrough and a secondary-radiating element (3) provided with the far-infrared radiating element (2) adhered to the metallic material (1). The primary-radiating element (5) is spaced apart and oppositely disposed from the secondary-radiating element (3) which is heated by infrared rays radiated from the primary-radiating element (5) having been heated with a combustion gas passing therethrough, whereby the secondary-radiating element (3) radiates far-infrared rays.

Abstract: A radiant heater includes a reflector and a spherical burner mounted within the reflector. The burner is formed from wire cloth, and the outer half of the burner has a finer mesh than the inner half so that fuel flows at a faster rate through the inner half. The burner is mounted on a burner tube which extends through the reflector, and a cylindrical port screen is attached to the end of the burner tube inside the burner.

Abstract: A reflective heat conductor is presented in the form of a grill having a plurality of individual cells bounded by reflective bare metal surfaces. The grill has an arcuate shape complementary to the object, such as a stovepipe, on which it is located. Heat transfer is effected by substantially increasing the conductive area of the surface of the object on which it is mounted, by reflecting radiant heat energy emitted by the surface, and, in the case of a stovepipe, by also increasing turbulence within the stovepipe to reduce stack velocity and produce more complete burning.

Abstract: An insulated reflector for a low-intensity radiant energy heating system. Several embodiments are disclosed. In one embodiment, the reflector forms a chamber which is used to preheat fresh air admitted to the heated area.

Abstract: A poultry brooder having a ceramic radiant element with protrusions and protrusion connectors forming spiral channels to lengthen the path of flowing gases from the closed center to the edge of the radiant and to impede the gaseous flow by turbulence. An insulator reduces undirected heat loss through the rear surface of the ceramic radiant and an electronic direct spark ignition system conserves fuel consumption and makes the brooder more reliable.

Abstract: An energy efficient system for controlling the environment in a greenhouse. The system includes an infrared heater, having a burner, a heat disbursement means and an exhaust means, and a layer of reflective and insulative material selectively deployable below the roof and inside the walls of the greenhouse to retain heat within the greenhouse, to prevent excess heat from the sun from entering the greenhouse and to reflect light into the greenhouse from the sun. The system also includes an air-to-water heat exchanger, connected at the exhaust end of the heater, that transfers heat from the heater's exhaust to water used in the greenhouse. The heated water is stored in an underground tank. A series of connected pipes, in communication with the tank, are set into the floor of the greenhouse to circulate the water through the floor to remove excess heat from the water.

Abstract: An infrared radiant heater comprising a burner for moving combustion supporting air over an exhaust flue gas transfer pipe toward the fuel nozzle which is spaced from the blower. A first cone of high temperature resistant metal positioned at said nozzle to receive heat from the combustion of the fuel and an interior cone shaped surface to maintain heat against said first cone and direct the exhaust gases to said flue gas transfer pipe.

Abstract: A burner has a combustion body supporting a platinum-group catalyst. An air-fuel mixture is supplied to the combustion body and combusted primarily on the upstream surface of the combustion body. A heat-transmissive body is disposed for discharging heat radiation from the upstream surface of the combustion body. The burner has a greater heat radiation efficiency and a wider range in which the amount of combustion is variable than conventional catalytic combustion burners.

Abstract: A radiant heater comprises first and second reflector portions (1, 2); first and second side reflector plates (3, 4); first and second end reflector plates (5, 6); first and second steel U-tubes (7, 8) received by the first and second portions (1, 2) respectively; end reflector plates (9, 11) for the reflector portion (1) and end reflector plates (10, 12) for the reflector portion (2), the ends of the tube (7) protruding through the plate (9) and the ends of the tube (8) protruding through the plate (10); first and second gas (or oil) burners and control units (13, 14) communicating with the ends of tubes (7, 8) respectively nearer a V-shaped channel; and first and second suction fan units (16, 17) communicating with the ends of tubes (7, 8) respectively which are further from the channel (15). In use of the heater, gas (or oil) is burnt at the burners and control units (13, 14), and hot air is sucked through the tubes (7, 8) by the suction fan units (16, 17).

Abstract: A cooking system particularly adaptable for commercial or institutional usage. The cooking system includes a high efficiency, gas fired heat generating sender, a cooking element or receiver, and a closed loop heat transfer circuit having a heating and vaporization zone within which a working fluid is heated and vaporized by the heat generating sender and a condensation zone disposed in adjacent relation to the cooking element within which the vapor is circulated and condensed for transferring heat to the cooking element and food contained therein. The sender may be remotely located from the cooking element and may be utilized for selectively applying heat to a plurality of such cooking elements. Several alternative embodiments of cooking elements are disclosed.

Abstract: A poultry brooder (10) having a ceramic radiant element (12) with protrusions (14) and protrusion connectors (16) forming spiral channels (18) to lengthen the path of flowing gases from closed center (34) to the edge of the radiant and to impede the gaseous flow by turbulence. An insulator (26) reduces heat loss through the rear surface (42) of the ceramic radiant and an adjustable temperature sensing element support bracket (32) allows selection of a variety of temperature sensing positions.

Abstract: A portable heating unit has a heating chamber which is disposed within a housing so substantially all of the exterior thereof is displaced inwardly from that housing to define an air space. Air passing through that air space absorbs heat from the exterior of that heating chamber and also absorbs, and carries away, heat radiated from that exterior. That heating chamber is secured to that housing by mountings of small cross sections, which limit the amount of heat that can be conducted from that heating chamber to that housing. In addition, a baffle is interposed between the heating element and housing of the portable unit to reduce the amount of heat passing to that housing.

Abstract: A radiant heater includes a tilting and focusing reflector and a burner which is mounted inside of the reflector. The reflector can be tilted to direct radiant energy from the burner in a desired direction, and the focal point of the reflector can be moved with respect to the burner to concentrate, direct, or disperse radiant energy.

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.