Abstract: A reflective plate 72 is arranged so as to reflect infrared rays, radiated from a heating wire 71, outside of a heater 70 and may be made of steel. A number of cavities 73 are arranged on the surface of the reflective plate 72. Since the cavities 73 have an aspect ratio of 0.17 to 0.7, the infrared reflectance can be increased compared to a reflector with no cavities.

Abstract: A device for intensifying a flame, comprising an object intended to be placed in front of the burner head, at a distance from said burner head, so that it is placed at least partly inside a flame extending from the burner head, and furthermore, said object being arranged to glow, heated by said flame. An apparatus for applying the device, for heating a liquid or air, comprising a burner and a combustion chamber, wherein the apparatus comprises an object in the combustion chamber. In the method, the device is installed in front of the burner head, or in an apparatus for heating a liquid or air, comprising an opening for the burner head, and a combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement for a low pressure gas lamp, and more specifically for a venturi tube in order to furnish a more efficient flame.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for generating electricity, having at least one solar panel comprising at least one photovoltaic cell and disposed within view of a light source. The light source is formed from at least one gas-powered lamp wherein a gas flame generated by the lamp is associated with at least one incandescent body comprising at least one transparent bell-shaped member enclosing the gas flame of the lamp forming a closed combustion chamber, characterized in that the bell-shaped member is at least partially enclosed by an at least double-walled glass dome having a vacuum between the dome walls thereof.

Abstract: A combustion device in the form of a paraffin stove (10) comprises a fuel reservoir (12), a burner (14), stand pipe (16) which extends between the reservoir (12) and the burner (14) and a stove top (18). The reservoir (12) comprises a rigid, air-tight outer container (22) and a deformable bladder (25) for holding paraffin (27) which is located within the container (22). The bladder has an outlet (44) which is connected to the stand pipe (16). A conduit (51) which can be connected to a source of compressed air is connected to the container (22) for pressurizing the container (22) to exert a force on the bladder (25) sufficient to cause the paraffin to be delivered to the burner (14) where it is ignited to produce a flame.

Abstract: A highly efficient radiant burner assembly (100) for use in a patio heater or the like in areas where people prefer or require low NOX emissions. The efficiencies are created through the use of a spherical burner element (116) that is either formed of a high temperature steel wire mesh or stamping containing apertures of a predetermined size to allow combustion to remain within the burner element and to not cause the temperature of the burner element to exceed the temperature at which NOX are developed. Coating the burner with a catalyst also aids the low emission combustion process. Additional efficiencies are provided by atomizing the fuel before it is mixed with air and by the use of a laminar flow heat exchanger (940) that utilizes a fluid media flowing in a helical coil condenser unit.

Abstract: An improved incandescent mantle formed of a woven fabric tube and having at least one open end with a fireproof attaching material provided for attaching at least one of the ends of the tube to a burner. At least one additional fireproof material portion is provided between the burner and mantle to reinforce and protect the mounted mantle from jarring forces.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator apparatus has: a burner that is supplied with a fuel and an air, and burns the fuel; an emitter heated by combustion heat produced by the burner; a photoelectric conversion cell that converts radiant light from the emitter into electric power; and a cell holder portion that holds the photoelectric conversion cell. A cooling device is provided for causing a cooling liquid to receive heat from the photoelectric conversion cell by contacting the cooling liquid and a back surface of the cell holder portion with each other. A surface of the cell holder portion that contacts the cooling liquid is a non-horizontal surface. The apparatus employs at least two kinds of cooling liquids.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus has a combustor for burning a fuel upon supply of the fuel and air, an emitter heated by passage therein of combustion gas produced in the combustor, and a photoelectric conversion element that converts light radiated from the emitter into electric power, the combustor being provided between the emitter and the conversion element. Preferably, the emitter is disposed above the combustor, and the photoelectric conversion element is disposed below the combustor. With this structure, combustion gas does not reside in the combustion chamber, but is discharged via the emitter disposed above the combustor. Combustion becomes stable, and the emitter is efficiently heated, so that energy radiated from the emitter surface increases.

Abstract: A photothermal power generation device designed to heat an emitter receives a supply of fuel and air, burns the fuel to produce combustion gas, and converts light emitted from the emitter into electric power by means of a photoelectric conversion element. The device is provided with a flow resistance adjusting unit for adjusting a flow resistance of the combustion gas in the emitter in accordance with a state of combustion gas, a combustor fire vent adjusting unit for adjusting the shapes of, or a number of, fire vents formed in the combustor in accordance with a required output, or a discharge state adjusting unit for adjusting a discharge state of exhaust gas in accordance with a state of the combustion gas. This photothermal power generation device provides uniform light-emitting intensity and enhances power generation efficiency.

Abstract: A lantern and fuel system with a safety cover, the safety cover having a round disc-like configuration, a plurality of radially spaced discontinuities of various sizes provided through the cover, the safety cover having a diameter sized to fit securely within the second diameter of a lower skirt, and a Z-shaped upward projection coupled to the cover with the projection having a notch at an uncoupled end.

Abstract: A lantern and fuel system with a pump subassembly. The pump subassembly includes a beveled seat having an interior end with a cylindrical configuration constituting an interior guard with a first O-ring on the seat adjacent to the interior guard. The beveled seat has an exterior end with a cylindrical configuration constituting an exterior guard with a second O-ring on the seats adjacent to the exterior guard. The beveled seat has an intermediate guard on the seat between the first O-ring and the second O-ring.

Abstract: A lantern having a compact configuration. The lantern has a generally cylindrical shape with a lower housing containing a fuel tank, a shut-off valve and a regulator. A cap at the base of the lower housing can be removed, providing access to the fuel tank. The fuel tank is refillable via a fuel fill valve arranged at the base of the tank. A burner tube is coupled to the regulator and extends upwards beyond the housing. A mantle is removably coupled to the upper end of the burner tube. A generally conical reflector is arranged around the burner tube below the mantle and above the regulator. A glass globe is arranged around the burner tube/mantle assembly and a ventilator cap is arranged above the globe. The ventilator cap attaches to rails which extend up from opposite sides of the lower housing and can be readily removed to access the mantle.

Abstract: A mantle assembly including a holder, a mantle clip, and a mantle. The holder includes first and second abutment portions for biasing or otherwise holding end portions of the mantle clip so that an opening of the mantle clip is held in an open position. The end portions are held such that once the open portion of the mantle clip is placed onto a mantle base, the holder may be pulled away or otherwise manipulated so that the end portions slide out of or off of the abutment portions and the mantle clip may attach to the mantle base. The attachment of the mantle clip to the mantle base may be formed, for example, by the end portions biasing back into position after being released by the mantle holder, so that the middle portion becomes smaller and locks around the mantle base.

Abstract: Multilayer coating designs have been developed to provide selective emission for a molybdenum thermophotovoltaic (TPV) radiator surface. These coatings increase the surface emissivity of a molybdenum TPV radiator substrate in the wavelength range that matches the bandgap of the TPV cells to increase the power density of the TPV system. Radiator emission at wavelengths greater than the bandgap energy of the TPV cells is greatly reduced through the use of these coatings, which significantly increases the efficiency of the TPV system. The use of this coating greatly improves the performance of a TPV system, and the coating can be tailored to match the bandgap of any practical TPV system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable illumination device (1) for the production of light effects, with a carrier (3) and a light-emitting device (2) operated with an open flame and connectable to this carrier. Carrier (3) comprises a handle (4) essentially designed as a hollow cylinder, which carries a shield-type flame protector (5) at one end. The light-emitting device is a gas lighter (2) arranged inside handle (4).

Abstract: A lantern having a compact configuration. The lantern has a generally cylindrical shape with a lower housing containing a fuel tank, a shut-off valve and a regulator. A cap at the base of the lower housing can be removed, providing access to the fuel tank. The fuel tank is refillable via a fuel fill valve arranged at the base of the tank. A burner tube is coupled to the regulator and extends upwards beyond the housing. A mantle is removably coupled to the upper end of the burner tube. A generally conical reflector is arranged around the burner tube below the mantle and above the regulator. A glass globe is arranged around the burner tube/mantle assembly and a ventilator cap is arranged above the globe. The ventilator cap attaches to rails which extend up from opposite sides of the lower housing and can be readily removed to access the mantle.

Abstract: A ceramic burner plaque is described being of a predetermined thickness defined between first and second planar surfaces and through which a plurality of burner ports (6) pass from one surface to the other. The ports are arranged in offset rows and a plurality of polygonal channels (10) are cut into the second surface (8) of the plaque, said channels also being arranged in offset fashion rows and being of a depth less than the thickness of the plaque. The channels are ideally octogonal in shape and of a width which widens progressively from the narrow base of the channel within the thickness of the plaque towards the second surface. The width of the channels at their base is ideally similar or marginally greater to the dimensions of the burner ports and the shape and position of the channels is such that a plurality of burner ports are coincidental with the base thereof.

Abstract: A method for thermophotovoltaic generation of electricity comprises heating a metallic photonic crystal to provide selective emission of radiation that is matched to the peak spectral response of a photovoltaic cell that converts the radiation to electricity. The use of a refractory metal, such as tungsten, for the photonic crystal enables high temperature operation for high radiant flux and high dielectric contrast for a full 3D photonic bandgap, preferable for efficient thermophotovoltaic energy conversion.

Abstract: A lantern having a compact configuration. The lantern has a generally cylindrical shape with a lower housing containing a fuel tank, a shut-off valve and a regulator. A cap at the base of the lower housing can be removed, providing access to the fuel tank. The fuel tank is refillable via a fuel fill valve arranged at the base of the tank. A burner tube is coupled to the regulator and extends upwards beyond the housing. A mantle, which when lit provides illumination, is removably coupled to the upper end of the burner tube. A generally conical reflector is arranged around the burner tube below the mantle and above the regulator. A glass globe is arranged around the burner tube/mantle assembly and a ventilator cap is arranged above the globe. The ventilator cap attaches to rails which extend up from opposite sides of the lower housing and can be readily removed to access the mantle.

Abstract: A heater provides both radiant heat and light. The heater provides radiant heat via a heater assembly which includes a gas burner heating a screen; the screen in turn provides radiant heat. The heater includes a light assembly which may provide light by, for example, burning gas fuel, or by other means such as electricity. The heater may include a heat reflector which can be removed and compacted or disassembled for storage. The light assembly may include easily removable glass panels surrounding the light source. Each glass panel is mounted to the lighting assembly by tabs extending from the bottom of the glass panel and a thumbscrew connection attaching the top portion of the glass panel to the lighting assembly. Hot exhaust gasses generated by the lighting assembly may escape through vents near the top of the lighting assembly, below the heating assembly.

Abstract: Our cylindrical TPV generator uses low bandgap PV cells mounted on circuits in a polygonal array around an IR emitter. The combustion gases are completely contained within the radiant tube burner. The PV array is mounted inside a leak-tight envelope cooled on its outer surface by either water or air flow. Flanges on either end of this PV array container allow for hermetic seals. A folded back coaxial emitter support tube provides a long path length limiting thermal conduction along its cylindrical wall from the very hot emitter section to the cooled seal flange. In our improved cylindrical TPV generator, we provide for a low temperature catalytic after-burn by providing a perforated turnaround plate coupling between the inner disk stack and the outer disk stack. This perforated turnaround plate provides a small amount of combustion air for the after-burn. A catalyst coating can be provided on the hotter surface of the outer finned disks. The after-burn occurs in the outer finned disk stack.

Abstract: A composite emitter (100) for a thermophotovoltaic cell and other applications, and a method of forming the composite emitter. The composite emitter includes a substrate (102) and a selective emitter layer (104) composed of at least one substantially pure ceramic oxide selective emitter material applied to the substrate using a thermal spraying method. The substrate is preferably made of a durable material such as a silicon-based material or a refractory metal oxide. In one embodiment, the selective emitter layer may be composed of two or more selective emitter materials. In another embodiment, the composite emitter may further include a reflective metal layer (106). The method includes providing a substrate and plasma spraying one or more selective emitter materials onto the substrate to a thickness of between about 10 microns and about 400 microns to form the selective emitter layer.

Abstract: An apparatus adaptable for holding, and burning gas fuels from, different containers, the different containers including at least a first container and a second container. The apparatus preferably comprises: a housing sized such that each of the different containers is removably receivable in the housing; a burner assembly for receiving and burning gas fuel from each of the different containers; a stand or other elevating structure positionable in the housing for elevating and retaining the first container in the housing in an operating position, the elevating structure being removable from the housing for placing the second container in the housing in its operating position; and an adaptor removably attachable between the second container and the burner assembly.

Abstract: A lantern having a compact configuration. The lantern has a generally cylindrical shape with a lower housing containing a fuel tank, a shut-off valve and a regulator. A cap at the base of the lower housing can be removed, providing access to the fuel tank. The fuel tank is refillable via a fuel fill valve arranged at the base of the tank. A burner tube is coupled to the regulator and extends upwards beyond the housing. A mantle, which when lit provides illumination, is removably coupled to the upper end of the burner tube. A generally conical reflector is arranged around the burner tube below the mantle and above the regulator. A glass globe is arranged around the burner tube/mantle assembly and a ventilator cap is arranged above the globe. The ventilator cap attaches to rails which extend up from opposite sides of the lower housing and can be readily removed to access the mantle.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator having a solid body located in a combustion chamber of a burner, with the surface of the solid body being excited to a state of radiation by an air-fuel mixture that is supplied by a delivery unit to the burner, where it combusts, and the radiation strikes a photocell, which then generates electrical energy; and having an exhaust pipe discharging the hot combustion gases from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A burner/emitter/recuperator assembly for providing a high temperature radiant emitting surface, includes an elongated fuel pipe in communication with a fuel source and extending toward the combustion chamber, and adapted to flow fuel from the fuel source to a nozzle end of the fuel pipe proximate the combustion chamber, a primary air pipe disposed around the fuel pipe and in communication with a relatively cool primary air source, a nozzle end of the primary air pipe being substantially coincident with the nozzle end of the fuel pipe, and a recuperator for preheating secondary air disposed around a distal portion of the primary air pipe and in communication with a secondary air source and a swirler downstream of the recuperator.

Abstract: A method for making very strong gas mantles and other ceramic structures, and the resulting products, are provided. According to the method, an organic or composite structure is first pyrolyzed in the absence of oxygen to remove hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, leaving a porous carbon or composite structure, which is then impregnated with a metal compound-containing solution or slurry which is later fired in the presence of an oxidizing atmosphere to produce a refractory metal oxide which has about the same shape as the precursor carbon or composite structure. Due to minimal shrinkage of the mostly carbon or composite precursor, the resulting mantles and other ceramic structures have few defects in the fibers and great strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a incandescent material formed from the following mixture of oxides (in moles):50 to 70% zirconium oxide ZrO.sub.2,5 to 8% yttrium oxide Y.sub.2 O.sub.3,13 to 20% magnesium oxide MgO,4 to 10% lithium oxide Li.sub.2 O, and0.2 to 0.6% cerium oxide CeO.sub.2,0 to 25% potassium oxide K.sub.2 O,0 to 1% tungsten oxide WO.sub.3.This material is suitable for producing hard mantles for gas lighting of public places.

Abstract: A mantle assembly includes a mantle having at least one open end and a spring clip at the open end for attaching the open end of the mantle to the burner assembly of a lantern. The spring clip includes a generally circular central portion which surrounds the mantle opening and a pair of end portions. The end portions are movable between first and second positions for changing the size of the opening of the central portion. The mantle can have a generally tubular shape with a pair of open ends, and a spring clip surrounds each open end.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of materials which exhibit photonic band gaps in the near infrared and visible regions of the optical spectrum as thermophotovoltaic emitter materials.The materials used according to the invention are particularly suitable for use in the conversion of thermal or heat energy into optical or light energy. U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,114, PHOTONIC BAND GAP MATERIALS AND METHOD OF PREPARATION THEREOF, was issued on Jan. 31, 1995 to the present inventors for a class of material which can be employed according to the present invention.According to the invention it is possible to employ these materials in the conversion of thermal energy to optical energy, in particular as a thermophotovoltaic emitter material, when the thermal energy is supplied by sources such as flames, sunlight or other broadband electromagnetic sources, or hot gases or fluids.

Abstract: A gas powered appliance includes housing structure with a fuel inlet port and recess structure for receiving fuel canister structure in communication with the inlet port. Fuel supply conduit structure in the housing structure has an outlet port. Fuel control structure in the housing structure controls flow of fuel from the inlet port through the fuel supply conduit structure to the outlet port. Fuel canister structure is adapted for disposition in the recess structure. The fuel canister structure has a body portion, outlet valve structure on the body portion for coupling to the inlet port when the fuel canister structure is disposed in the recess structure, and check valve structure disposed in the fuel canister body portion in communication with the outlet valve structure for preventing liquid fuel from reaching the flow control structure.

Abstract: Photon generating devices produce predetermined radiation spectral output and heat for a variety of applications including lighting and electric power generation, and provide photons to enhance chemical and physical reactions. Such a device comprises an emitter which contains metal oxides, means to heat the emitter sufficiently to produce large number of photons of a desired spectral output, and an optical means for directing the photons to various targets. In one embodiment, the device includes a thermal input device, a light pipe having a low emissivity, and an emitter coating of superemitter material which is thermally stimulated to emit radiation of a specific wavelength above a threshold temperature. An intermediate layer may be used to bond the emitter coating to the light pipe or other optical device where desired.

Abstract: An outdoor lamp has a solenoid valve which controls the feed of gas and mixed with air to an electrically conducting venturi table and thence to burner tips which are surrounded by mantles. An electrode disposed adjacent to a slit in the venturi tube creates a spark adjacent to the slit when the valve is electrically opened to light the gas mixture which subsequently lights the gas mixture at the tips. An electrical circuit has a photocell array which causes the electrical circuit to open the valve at dawn with a shot of electricity and closes the valve at night with another shot of electricity. A sensor in the circuit detects when the lamp is lighted and discontinues the spark.

Abstract: A dimmer device for a gas light which is solar activated and is composed of a minimum number of parts. A magnetically operated valve with a magnetically attractable ball is energized during daylight hours to close off one passageway yet allows gas to flow through a second passageway at a lower flow rate to provide a dimmer condition for the lamp. At night time, the magnetic valve is deactivated causing the magnetically attractable ball to open the otherwise closed passageway and thereby allow full gas flow to the lamp. The dimmer device is easily installed into the lamp housing rather than the post.

Abstract: Multiple low bandgap GaSb photovoltaic cell strings are mounted around the perimeter of a cylinder in parallel with the cylinder axis. These cell strings face radially inward and receive infrared (IR) radiation from a ceramic axial emitter and efficiently convert this radiation into DC electric power. Linear reflectors are associated with each cell string and serve to concentrate IR energy into the photovoltaic cells or to return it to the emitter. The ceramic emitter is heated from the inside by hydrocarbon combustion. A uniform temperature along the length of the emitter is maintained by staged addition of fuel in a special burner design. Regenerative air heating is also inherent in the burner design increasing its efficiency. Air for the combustion is supplied by a blower. Sliding contacts to the rotating shaft on the blower can be used for DC to AC conversion. The cell strings are cooled through a compact closed cycle convective liquid cooling loop.

Abstract: A radiant emission system includes ceramic fiber support structure and an array of emitter fiber members that are mechanically interlocked with and project outwardly from a surface of the support structure with the free ends of the emitter members spaced from one another and from the support structure, and thermal excitation structure for flowing fuel through the passages and establishing a combustion condition at the surface to heat the emitter fiber members to thermally emissive temperature.

Abstract: A combustion device for producing predetermined radiation spectral output and heat for a variety of applications including lighting, cooking, heating water, electric power generation, and providing inexpensive photons to enhance chemical and physical reactions.A process for the preparation of a porous ceramic burner is described which comprises drawing a solution which contains metal oxide fibers onto a burner skeleton by use of a vacuum to form a base fiber layer. The base fiber layer is dried, after which an additional metal oxide fiber layer, the outer fiber layer, is added over the base fiber layer. In another embodiment of the invention, an intermediate fiber layer is placed over the base layer, prior to the addition of the outer fiber layer.

Abstract: Multiple low bandgap Ga.sub.1-x In.sub.x Sb photovoltaic cell strings are mounted around the perimeter of a cylinder parallel to a central cylindrical emitter, or radiator. These cell strings face radially inward to receive infrared (IR) radiation from the emitter, and efficiently convert this radiation into DC electric power. Reflecting surfaces are positioned on either side of each cell string to concentrate most of the IR radiation on the photovoltaic cells and return much of the balance to the emitter. The inside of the emitter is heated by flames from small gas jets from a central burner tube with a jet pattern somewhat similar to that of a gas kitchen stove. A uniform temperature along the length of the emitter is maintained by employing a gas jet hole pattern that produces a staged addition of fuel in a special burner design. Regenerative air heating is employed to increase the flame temperature and avoid large energy losses in the stack gas.

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: An emission system includes emitter support structure with a plurality of flow passages therethrough and an array of emitter members that are in adjacent relation to the flow passages and that project outwardly from a surface of the support structure with the free ends of the emitter members spaced from one another and from the support structure (in the nature of cut pile or tufted rug structure in particular embodiments), and thermal excitation structure for flowing fuel through the passages and establishing a combustion condition at the surface to heat the emitter members to thermally emissive temperature.

Abstract: An improved incandescent mantle which is free of radioactive materials and stronger than mantles produced in the past. The present invention provides a mantle comprised of zirconia, yttria, erbia and ceria, which produces a resulting light output and color comparable for practical purposes to that of traditional thorium mantles. Although the invention is particularly adapted to mantles of inverted form, it is also applicable to other forms.

Abstract: A resilient wire clip goes around the mouth of a gas latern mantle to hold the mantle securely in place around the opening of the tube and can be manually expanded to release the mantle when it has to be replaced.

Abstract: An incandescent gas mantle assembly includes a metal coupling member and a mantle supporting sleeve member of thermally resistant material that has a skirt portion to which a metal oxide mantle sock is secured in depending relation. The metal coupling member has a body portion of disc configuration with an outer periphery and an inner periphery, a plurality of inwardly extending first coupling portions integral with and spaced about the body portion for attachment to a cooperating burner head, and a plurality of second coupling portions integral with and spaced about the body portion, the second coupling portions being in coupling engagement with recess structure of the mantle supporting sleeve member.

Abstract: An improved incandescent mantle which is stronger than mantles produced in the past as well as free of radioactive materials. The present invention provides a mantle comprised of zirconia, yttria and erbia, which produces a resulting light output and color comparable for practical purposes to that of traditional thorium mantles. Although the invention is particularly adapted to mantles of inverted form, it is also applicable to other forms.

Abstract: A high output, narrow band thermally energized radiation source comprises a rare earth oxide radiator member that has a cross-sectional dimension in the range of five to thirty micrometers, the rare earth oxide radiator member, when heated to about 1700.degree. C., having a concentrated radiated flux over the 400-2500 nanometer wavelength range such that at least 50% of the radiated flux is within a spectral band that is less than 400 nanometers wide.

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

Abstract: A metallic lantern mantle is set forth for use particularly in combination with camp-type lanterns utilizing a propane or gasoline-type fuel. The mantle is of a gauge to increase intermal pressure within the mantle volume and enhance luminescent qualities of the mantle during use. A serrated clamp adjustably accommodates an associated fuel outlet in the aforenoted lamp.

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 high output, narrow band thermally energized radiation source comprises a rare earth oxide radiator member that has a cross-sectional dimension in the range of five to thirty micrometers, the rare earth oxide radiator member, when heated to about 1700.degree. C., having a concentrated radiated flux over the 400-2500 nanometer wavelength range such that at least 50% of the radiated flux is within a spectral band that is less than 400 nanometers wide.