摘要 |
Portable, small, and light-weight radiant and/or electrical power generating sources, constructed according to the principles of this invention, comprise an air/fuel delivery device that houses a fuel canister of pressurized hydrocarbon fuel therein. The fuel canister includes a check valve that is selectively activated to release the pressurized hydrocarbon fuel to a pressure regulator and then through a venturi disposed within the delivery device. The delivery device includes an ignitor that is also activated when the fuel is released. A radiant head is attached to the delivery device and includes a luminous mantle in gas flow communication with the venturi and formed from a fibrous rare earth oxide. The head includes a lens and reflector system adjacent the mantle. Alternatively, or in addition to the radiant head, a thermophotovoltaic head can be attached to the delivery system. The thermophotovoltaic head also includes a luminous mantle in gas flow communication with the venturi, and a lens and reflector system. The mantle in each head is illuminated by the combustion of an ignited air/fuel mixture. The thermophotovoltaic head includes one or more photovoltaic cells adjacent the lens and reflector system. The radiant head thus produces a desired degree of radiant energy, while the thermophotovoltaic head produces a desired amount of electrical power.
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