An apparatus (1) is disclosed for controlling oxidation of a fuel in an oxidation source (2,3). The apparatus includes photovoltaic means (5) for receiving electromagnetic radiation (6) from the oxidation source and for producing electric power having a given electric power magnitude. An oxidation control (8, 1A, 1B, 288, 325) is coupled to, and driven, by, the photovoltaic means for controlling the oxidation. The oxidation is adjusted when the electric power is less than the given electric power magnitude. Oxidation may also be adjusted when a hazardous gas is detected. The apparatus (1A) may be used to power various electronic circuits. The apparatus (1B) may also be used to maintain the efficiency of the combustion source. A novel arrangement (248) for operating a fuel control valve is also disclosed. An apparatus (418) for controlling a portable heater is also disclosed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 659,074, filed Oct. 5, 1984, now abandoned, which was a National Application corresponding to International Application PCT/US84/01038, filed July 3, 1984, which was a continuation-in-part claiming priority of our U.S. patent application Ser. No. 517,699, filed July 25, 1983, now abandoned.
Embodiments of gas-fired appliances which generate selective emissive radiation, in such apparatus, gas is burned in a porous ceramic surface combustion burner. The high temperature surface of the burner includes a narrow band quantum emitting substance such as rare earth metal oxides. Relatively shorter wavelength radiation from this quantum emitting surface illuminates process targets having an absorption spectrum nearly matched to the emission spectrum of the burner surface, for a variety of application such as cooking. The selected emission may be passed through a glass top stove to heat a pot with an absorptive bottom or may pass on through a glass pot to heat the food directly.
5057162 - Thermophotovoltaic technology - Owned by TPV Energy Systems, Inc. (Waltham, MA) [*] Notice:The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to April 22, 2003 has been disclaimed.
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.
A method for fabricating electronic devices. First, an actinide oxide semiconductor material is provided. Next, an electronic device is fabricated using the actinide oxide semiconductor material.
4976606 - Thermophotovoltaic technology - Owned by TPV Energy Systems, Inc. (Waltham, MA) [*] Notice:The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to April 24, 2003 has been disclaimed.
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.
An apparatus for detecting fuel vapors in a turbojet engine oil tank is disclosed which incorporates a device in the oil tank which senses the presence of fuel vapors in the oil tank. The device has a housing defining an inner chamber in which a piston is slidably located. An actuating cartridge is also located in the chamber between an end wall of the housing and the piston. The cartridge comprises a material which expands in volume when subjected to heat and one which produces an exothermic reaction in the presence of fuel vapors. The housing defines one or more orifices to enable the atmosphere within the tank to communicate with the actuating cartridge.
