Abstract: In a burner igniter using a ceramic heater, the resistance of the ceramic heater is detected to perform feedback control so that the temperature of the heater is maintained substantially constant to prevent both misfiring and overheating, while rapid temperature rise can also be obtained. The resistance value detected by a bridge circuit is fed to a proportional-integral controller which produces a control signal, while the current fed to the ceramic heater is also detected. The control signal and another signal indicative of the current to the ceramic heater are used to control a power source of the ceramic heater so that the current to the ceramic heater is controlled. A monitoring circuit responsive to both the resistance of the ceramic heater and the current fed to the ceramic heater may be added to warn a user that the life of the ceramic heater will soon end.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a burner on a motor vehicle energizes a heater of a fuel atomizer for heating and atomizing fuel, when fuel supply to the fuel atomizer is shut off and the speed of rotation of the engine on the motor vehicle is higher than a prescribed level, so that carbon deposits on and in the fuel atomizer will be burned out and removed.

Abstract: A method of making priming devices for a fuel element is disclosed. A high quality priming device is obtained by treating suitable pieces of cellulose with catalyzing agents such as manganates or permanganates and with oxidizing agents such as inorganic oxidizing salts. Such priming devices are very reliable and may be used in portable personnel heaters, e.g. to keep injured people warm after accidents.

Abstract: A power burner adaptable for use in conjunction with a wood burning stove employs a blower to produce a forced flow of air and a fuel valve which provides selective fuel communication with a fuel nozzle. Forced air and fuel is mixed in the nozzle and propelled through the nozzle outlet along a generally unidirectional exit path. A target is spaced from the nozzle outlet and interposed in the exit path. A heating assembly which is spaced from the target heats the target to a temperature sufficient to ignite the mixture traversing the exit path. A blast tube surrounds the target and forms an axially extending passageway which functions as a combustion chamber and a passageway for propelling the combusted fuel through an outlet opening of the blast tube. The burner is automatically controlled by an electronic controller.

Abstract: A system for sealing a mount in a cathode-ray tube using first and second tiers of burners includes a first valve in an oxygen supply line and a third valve in a fuel supply line connected to the first tier, and a second valve in the oxygen supply line and a fourth valve in the fuel supply line connected to the second tier for controlling, respectively, the flow of oxygen and fuel therethrough. The system comprises a preignition timing relay responsive to a start signal and coupled to both the first and the third valves for effecting a preignition gas flow period. An ignition timer is responsive to the preignition timing relay and is coupled to both the first and the third valves and to an igniter for effecting an ignition latchup interval at the end of the preignition gas flow period. A first timing relay is responsive to the ignition timer and is coupled to both the first and the third valves for effecting a first-tier gas flow period following the preignition gas flow period.

Abstract: A burner for cleaning accumulated soot from a soot filter associated with the exhaust of internal combustion engines, the burner is simple from a constructional viewpoint and especially effective with respect to initiation and maintenance of a soot-burning process in the soot filter. The burner includes a fuel nozzle, air nozzle, and glow plug arranged in a predetermined succession in the flow direction of the air introduced into the burner chamber. An especially intensive intermingling of the fuel-air mixture for the burner and/or for the soot filter is obtained by producing a turbulent flow by means of the air nozzle.

Abstract: Flare stack ignitors are normally permanent structures, the principle components of which are inaccessible from the ground. By mounting the probes and the associated transformer on trolleys, and providing tracks for such trolleys along substantially the entire length of the flare stack, the ignitor is relatively easy to maintain. Hollow probes ensure that a good supply of oxygen is drawn into the combustion area.

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 ignitor probe assembly (10) for the ignition of fossil fuel burners comprises in combination an ignitor (11) having a tip (70) activated by electrical energy and producing a temperature sufficient to ignite a fossil fuel, pipe means (12) for positioning the ignitor into the burner, means for carrying electrical power (13) to the ignitor passing through the pipe means adapter means (14) carried by the pipe means for the removable assembly of the ignitor thereto, and refractory insulator means (15) engageable with the means for carrying electrical power and interposed substantially concentrically within the adapter means for maintaining the means for carrying electrical power separate therefrom.

Abstract: A pot-type oil burner is disclosed which is capable of effectively preventing the generation of bad odor and soot during the igniting operation by turning on an electric heater positioned above a heat-resistant fabric spread on the bottom surface of a pot to previously heat the pot and fabric to a temperature sufficient to vaporize fuel oil prior to introducing fuel oil to the pot by means of a nozzle pipe.

Abstract: An oil burner comprising a safeguard mechanism against a power stoppage is disclosed which is capable of carrying out a fire extinguishing operation in a complete combustion state upon a power stoppage, to thereby prevent any soot and smelly and toxic combustion product from being produced. The oil burner includes a solenoid valve mechanism having a wiring of allowing the supply of a fuel oil to an oil supply pipe to be stopped upon a power stoppage, an air damper actuated in cooperation with a mechanism for changing the flow rate of a fuel oil supplied to the oil supply pipe, a solenoid connected to the air damper which has a wiring of allowing the air damper to be opened upon a power stoppage, and an air fan rotated due to inertia force upon a power stoppage.

Abstract: A pot-type oil burner is disclosed which is capable of stabilizing the vaporization rate of fuel oil in a pot to accomplish the stable complete combustion with a good efficiency. The oil burner is constructed to arrange a heat-resistant fabric on the bottom surface of the pot to vaporize fuel oil with a constant rate. The oil burner is also capable of significantly reducing retention of tar in the pot and facilitates removing tar from the pot as desired.

Abstract: With the addition of a conductive means in the form of a grounded ring or member placed at the insulator means of a high voltage spark electrode structure, the required break down voltage of the spark gap can be reduced. The conductive means typically would be a ring encircling the insulator means of the electrode structure and would provide a ground as well as a mechanical support near the end of the insulator means of the electrode structure.

Abstract: A flash-spark creeps on a dielectric surface to ignite carburated gaseous xtures. A high voltage pulse is applied through the dielectric between opposite surfaces thereof. The voltage is applied between a first electrode having a smaller area abutting against a first surface of the dielectric and a second electrode having a first strip portion abutting against an opposite second surface of the dielectric and a second portion which is astride an edge of the dielectric. The strip portion ends at a position beneath the first electrode. The first surface is exposed to the carburated gaseous mixture.

Abstract: A fuel control system having a burner provided with parts for issuing fuel therefrom and an electrical ignition probe for igniting the issuing fuel by forming a spark gap with a ground electrode and creating sparking thereacross, the system having the electrically insulating member disposed adjacent the burner and carrying the ignition probe and the ground electrode in a fixed relation relative to each other to define the spark gap therebetween whereby the ground electrode is separate from the burner.

Abstract: A liquid fuel burner ignition device which includes a lock out device, having a bimetallic lamina or similar element, and an ignition transformer. The bimetallic lamina is so positioned as to be heated by electromagnetic induction, due to the effect of parasitic current induced therein by the flux of the ignition transformer. The ignition device is provided with a resistor which is adapted so as to also heat the bimetallic lamina.

Abstract: A combustion initiation system includes an initiating device for producing, containing and propelling a combustion initiating plasma having an energy density approaching that produced by combustion of the fuel itself, and is suitable for initiating combustion in relatively lean mixtures of various types of fuels. A high voltage power supply delivers electrical energy by a coaxial cable to the initiating device which communicates with a fuel mixture in a combustion area such as the combustion chamber of an ordinary internal combustion engine. The initiating device includes a capacitive portion for storing a large quantity of electrical energy therein derived from the power supply, and an electrode portion integral with the capacitive portion which comprises a pair of concentric, rod shaped electrodes for producing a high energy, umbrella shaped plasma discharge, using the inverse pinch technique.

Abstract: This safety ignition device intended notably for controlling the valve through which gaseous fuel is supplied to a burner injector comprises essentially built-in means for protecting the circuitry from transient overvoltages and current surges, notably a varistor for limiting peak voltages and currents, absorbing disturbing energies and stabilizing pressures.

Abstract: A heating system in which the rpm of the combustion air blower can be selectively decreased by an especially simple and economical arrangement and is achieved by selectively connecting an incandescent plug, utilized for igniting the fuel-mixture only during the starting period, as a series resistor to the electric motor driving the combustion air blower after completion of the starting period. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, connecting of the incandescent plug as a series resistor is produced by way of a relay operated contact and an actuating circuit therefor, a selectively closable switch and a contact of a combustion monitoring thermostat being located in the actuating circuit for controlling activation of the relay operated contact.

Abstract: A small ignition device comprising a string-like silicon carbide heating element extending between and joining in electrical connection respective silicon carbide rod-like terminals. The heating element is joined to the terminals by an electrically conductive silicon joint. The string-like element has all cross-sectional dimensions between 0.05 mm and 2 mm and has a resistivity of between 0.01.OMEGA..multidot.cm and 10.OMEGA..multidot.cm whereby said heating element is heated to between about 1000.degree. C. and 1300.degree. C. in about 1 to 4 seconds after an electric current is connected thereto.

Abstract: A spark circuit for heating equipment used on automobiles in which a switch interrupts current flow in the primary of an ignition coil. A comparator compares the actual value of current flowing in the primary against a predetermined nominal value, and current to the switch is interrupted when the values reach parity, so as to render the switch non-conductive during the interruption with resulting auto-induction in the secondary of the ignition coil.

Abstract: A pilot assembly includes a base having a cylindrical side wall which holds an electrode subassembly and glass preforms in place for fusing the glass to secure the electrode subassembly to the base. Prior to fusing, a spark electrode is assembled by inserting it into a metal clip receptacle held in a ceramic insulator body forming a part of the electrode subassembly. A pilot tip and orifice subassembly are secured to the base. Fusion of the glass and brazing of the metal including the high tension clip to bring it to spring temper for connection to a plugged wire are accomplished in a single step of heating. The pilot tip includes a locator member which holds the spark electrode in place during fusing and establishes the spark gap. It is removed after fusing.

Abstract: The invention is an improved chemical firearm device that is operated and fired by an electro-mechanical system. The firearm device is of a pistol configuration, having a tank-like handle or hand-grip for containing the chemical to be discharged. A dual-action mechanical trigger mechanism is provided for first discharging the chemical through a nozzle in the barrel portion of the pistol-like device, which can be aimed like a pistol toward an assailant or target, and second to ignite the chemical during discharge if desired. An optional action is available whereby the ignition of the already discharged chemical on the assailant, or on the target, may be delayed until desired or needed in a point of close combat with the assailant or at the target. Another optional action is the availability of a high-voltage charge to stun and disable an assailant during close combat without the use of the chemical. Other uses include destruction of pest nests, and similar situations.

Abstract: A cigarette lighter employing a combustible gas uses electric means for heating the combustible gas toward its flash point. The electric means is aided by catalytic or thermo-electric means to reduce the power supplied by a self-contained battery. In one embodiment, the combustible gas contains a component which reacts with a catalyst to provide an additional heat increment to the gas in order to reduce the amount of electricity required. In other embodiments, a thermo-electric generator, heated by the flame of the lighter, generates electricity which recharges a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: An igniter and flame sensor electrode assembly which is suitable for mounting in a conventional thermocouple bracket in close proximity to a fuel burner so that the assembly can be employed in an ignition system to ignite the burner and sense a flame due to its conductive and/or rectification properties. The assembly is shaped similar to a conventional thermocouple and includes a tubular shaped probe having an ignition port in which the igniter element is mounted and a sleeve therearound which forms the flame sensing electrode. The housing for the igniter and flame sensor electrode is formed in two halves and the electrical connections to the flame sensing electrode and igniter element are made by lead wires located in axial bores within the housing.

Abstract: An electric gas ignitor is disclosed having a gas igniting fiber comprising a core of conductive refractory material and an outer, high strength, oxidation resistant coating. One aspect of the invention concerns a primary current path defined by at least a portion of the fiber core and comprising a material having a highly uniform resistance per unit length. A substantially uniform temperature distribution is thereby promoted on the fiber surface and the formation of localized "hot spots" is inhibited. The primary current path is preferably an anisotropic material having a preferred crystal orientation which uniformly conducts electricity along the fiber length.A second aspect of the invention is directed to the inclusion of a diffusion-barrier material between the fiber core and the oxidation-resistant coating to prevent diffusion of the core and coating, which changes the fiber operating temperature and decreases its operating life.