Abstract: A device for controlling a damper in an appliance is disclosed comprising a motor having a rotatable shaft extending therefrom which is operatively connected to a plate of the damper, a control circuit which transmits current to the motor to rotate the shaft and in turn rotate the plate to a first position and to a second position, and a dynamic brake operatively connected to the motor, which acts to reduce rotation of the shaft when the circuit supplying current to the motor is opened.

Abstract: A device for controlling a gas-fired appliance is provided. The device includes a motor assembly having a shaft extending therefrom and a cam coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith. The cam is coupled to a damper plate of the gas-fired appliance and the plate is configured to rotate with the cam responsive to rotation of the motor shaft. The device further includes a printed circuit board having a control switch mounted thereon. The cam is configured to selectively actuate the control switch upon rotation of the cam. The inventive control device may also include a mounting plate to which the motor assembly and circuit board may be mounted. The mounting plate may be an injection-molded, plastic part. In accordance with the present invention the cam is supported on the printed circuit board as opposed to the mounting plate thereby ensuring an accurate positional relationship between the cam and the control switch.

Abstract: A device for controlling a gas-fired appliance having a thermoelectric device such as a thermopile is provided and, particularly, for controlling a damper and a main burner valve within a gas-fired appliance. The device includes a motor having a shaft extending therefrom for connection to a plate of a damper. The device further includes a control circuit that selectively transmits current from the thermoelectric device to the motor and to the main burner valve of the appliance. The control circuit includes a temperature sensor and a plurality of single pole double throw switches. When the temperature sensor determines that the temperature of a medium such as water or air is below a predetermined temperature, current is directed through the switches to the motor in order to open the damper. Once the damper is opened, current is redirected through the switches to the valve to open the valve.