Timer, Programmer, Retarder Or Condition Responsive Control Patents (Class 431/18)
  • Patent number: 8333584
    Abstract: A fuel-fired appliance is shut down when a predicted steady state combustion chamber temperature is below a known threshold. The predicted steady state temperature is based on combustion chamber temperatures during heat up of the burner and appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Beckett Gas, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Cook
  • Publication number: 20120288806
    Abstract: A flame sense circuit for a gas burner control employs a flame rod for flame rectification. An AC source applies an AC wave through a capacitor to the flame rod, and the flame rod is also connected via a resistive voltage divider to a DC voltage source. A voltage divider node is connected to a voltage follower, which impedance-matches an ADC input of a microprocessor controller. The flame sense circuit senses conditions of no-flame, and flame rod in contact with or leaking to ground, and when flame is present can quantify sensed flame as good, weak and marginal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Bashkim Racaj
  • Publication number: 20120258410
    Abstract: An oxy-hydrogen generator control system may include an oxy-hydrogen generator for fuel production on demand. A controller may determine if ignition is present in a burner assembly prior to generating the oxy-hydrogen fuel and providing it to the burner assembly. The controller may also purge system lines of any residual oxy-hydrogen fuel when heating is no longer needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: MARK MACDONOUGH ROBINSON
  • Patent number: 8281780
    Abstract: A regulation valve having a valve body with a gas inlet. Housed within the valve body is a rotary regulatory body having a first inlet orifice corresponding to a first minimum flow of a first type of gas and a second inlet orifice corresponding to a second minimum flow of a second type of gas. The first and second inlet orifices are angularly displaced so that when the regulatory body assumes a first angular position within the regulatory body the first inlet orifice faces the gas inlet and so that when the regulatory body assumes a second angular position within the regulatory body the second inlet orifice faces the gas inlet. The regulation valve includes first and second sets of cooperating features that are capable of limiting rotation of the regulatory body to the first and second angular positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventors: Johnny Leonardo Carvalho, Kléber Luiz da Silva
  • Patent number: 8282390
    Abstract: A cooking appliance equipped with at least one regulating valve having a rotary regulator organ. The rotary regulator organ has an actuating shaft a plurality of peripheral openings adapted for regulating a flow of gas through the regulating valve. In a first angular position the rotary regulator organ is adapted to supply a constant flow Qmin of a first type of fuel through a first peripheral opening. In a second angular position, successive to the first angular position, the rotary regulator organ is adapted to supply a constant flow Qmin of a second type of fuel through a second peripheral opening. In one implementation a feature that rotates with the actuating shaft is adapted to engage a feature on the cooking appliance to limit the rotation of the rotary regulator organ to the first angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventor: Iñigo Albizuri
  • Publication number: 20120210998
    Abstract: A liquid hydrocarbon or bioethanol heating appliance (10), typically and non critically shaped as a movable fireplace with parallelepiped configuration, comprises a base (16), opposite side bands (12) with vertical development and a top connection panel (14) extended crosswise. The base is provided with an opening (20) on the exposed top front, which can be screened with movable separators (32) and incorporates a tank (22) and a combustion chamber or burner (24) connected to the tank by a conduit (26). The appliance comprises a valve or solenoid valve (30) or (42) provided with or combined to means that detect the fuel level in the burner (24) and temporarily activate the same valves for allowing the passage of the amount of fuel required for restoring a given level in said burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Federico MONTINI
  • Publication number: 20120208135
    Abstract: A system for operating a combustor includes a nozzle and a fuel passage and diluent passage through the nozzle. A fuel supply is in fluid communication with the fuel inlet, and a diluent supply is in fluid communication with the diluent inlet and the fuel inlet. A method for operating a combustor includes flowing a fuel through a fuel inlet in a nozzle and flowing a diluent through a diluent inlet in the nozzle. The method further includes sensing an operating parameter of the combustor, generating a signal reflective of the operating parameter, and controlling a flow of at least one of air or diluent to the fuel inlet based on the signal reflective of the operating parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Joseph Kirzhner
  • Patent number: 8235709
    Abstract: A valve useful in distributing gas received in one inlet to several outlets in a sequence, and burner apparatus including this valve for feeding material in sequence to outlets of a burner thereby forming a non-stationary flame at the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patrick Meagher, Mark Allen Kailburn, William Thoru Kobayashi, Bryan R. Bielec, Friedrich Eduard Purkert
  • Patent number: 8206147
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for a heat exchanger system includes a manifold having a plurality of burners, a shutoff valve, a first controller and a second controller. The shutoff valve divides the manifold into a first manifold portion and a second manifold portion. The first controller selectively controls the communication of a fluid within the manifold. The second controller selectively actuates the shutoff valve between a first position and a second position to control a firing rate of the plurality of burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Videto, Ruddy C. Bussjager
  • Patent number: 8197248
    Abstract: While ensuring technical safety and a short start-up time the invention permits the operation of autothermic partial oxidation of fuels processed into pulverized fuel such as lignite and bituminous coals, petroleum cokes, solid grindable carbon-containing residues, as well as solid-liquid suspensions or slurries, with a gasification agent containing oxygen at operating pressures of up to 8 MPa (80 bar). The selective configuration of the fail-safe monitoring of the gasification process only the supply of the main fuel is cut off. Through the continued operation of the pilot and ignition burner the reactor is kept at operating pressure and after the fault has been rectified fuel gasification can be restarted with the pilot and ignition burner without a complicated placement and pulling of a starter burner and subsequent pressurization of the reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Fischer, Bernd Holle, Manfred Schingnitz
  • Publication number: 20120122042
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the dynamic behavior of a coal-fired power plant for primary and/or secondary requirements of the power grid operator with respect to the current output into the grid, wherein the power plant has a nominal output (RC) and is operated by way of firing, wherein upon an increase in the primary and/or secondary requirements of the power grid operator with respect to the current output into the grid the coal dust volume that is supplied is raised with respect to the present actual output, and wherein upon a decrease in the primary and/or secondary requirements of the power grid operator with respect to the current output into the grid the coal dust volume that is supplied is lowered with respect to the present actual output and is stored, and to an assembly for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Hellmuth Brueggemann, Olivier Drenik, Michael Heim, Haider Mirza
  • Patent number: 8177544
    Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. When a failed ignition of a burner is detected, the control system is configured to enter a soft lockout state if the voltage level of a burner of the fuel-fired appliance is low during the failed ignition and a hard lockout state if the voltage level of the burner is not low during the failed ignition. In some cases, if a period of time has elapsed and/or the voltage level of the burner has increased after the control system enters the soft lockout state, the control system may be configured to initiate one or more subsequent ignition trials. In some cases, if the one or more subsequent ignition trials fail, the control system may be configured to then enter the hard lockout state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120107752
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for determining airflow through a burner. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for determining airflow through a burner. The method includes installing a first end of an inlet pressure transmission tube in an air inlet region of a furnace burner system, installing a first end of a burner pressure transmission tube in a burner exit region of the furnace burner system, connecting a second end of the inlet pressure transmission tube to a first pressure sensor, connecting a second end of the burner pressure transmission tube to a second pressure sensor, measuring the differential pressure between the first and second pressure sensors, and determining airflow based at least in part on the measured differential pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: YOKOGAWA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventor: Tadao Jo
  • Patent number: 8146584
    Abstract: A pressure switch assembly is used with a furnace controller having a first input and a second input. A first pressure switch is configured to actuate at a first combustion pressure level and is connected to the first input. A second pressure switch is configured to actuate at a second combustion pressure level, and a third pressure switch is configured to actuate at a third combustion pressure level. Pressure signals provided on the second input from at least one of the second pressure switch and the third pressure switch are used by the furnace controller to derive actuation states of the second and third pressure switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8136740
    Abstract: A thermodynamic system that produces mechanical, electrical power, and/or fluid streams for heating or cooling. The cycle contains a combustion system that produces an energetic fluid by combustion of a fuel with an oxidant. A thermal diluent may be used in the cycle to improve performance, including but not limited to power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, and/or turbine inlet temperature (TIT) regulation and cooling heated components. The cycle preferably includes a heat recovery system and a condenser or other means to recover and recycle heat and the thermal diluent from the energetic fluid to improve the cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. The cycle may also include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates throughout the cycle, and controls power output, efficiency, and energetic fluid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Vast Power Portfolio, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Hagen, Gary Ginter, Alberto Traverso, Bill Goheen, Allan McGuire, Janet Rankin, Aristide Massardo, Ronald L. Klaus
  • Patent number: 8123517
    Abstract: An automatic system and method to provide the ignition and monitoring of a pilot flame for gas burners. The circuit includes a microcontroller that acts on at least one gas valve, a flame igniter, and a flame detector circuits. The valve driver is a switching circuit able to open the valve and keep it open with power saving. The flame detection uses the ionization principle with full use of the rectification property of a flame. Furthermore the flame detection is activated for reduced times to save power. The microcontroller governs the system according to the signals that it receives from points of the circuit. The system provides a circuit realizing advanced power saving techniques to provide also a long term operation on battery powered systems. In addition the automatic control can save gas resources versus traditional thermocouple based systems by applying the intermittent pilot ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Sit La Precisa, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Lino Peruch
  • Patent number: 8109759
    Abstract: A combustion system is operated with reference to compliant values of a governmentally regulated exhaust emission parameter. If an alarm condition is detected during an ordinary mode of operation, the combustion system is shifted into an assured compliance mode of operation. The shift to the assured compliance mode is made while continuing to operate the combustion system without a shut-down interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fives North America Combustion, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Robertson, Thomas B. Neville, Charles E. Kilfoyle, John J. Nowakowski
  • Publication number: 20120009533
    Abstract: A valve useful in distributing gas received in one inlet to several outlets in a sequence, and burner apparatus including this valve for feeding material in sequence to outlets of a burner thereby forming a non-stationary flame at the burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: James Patrick Meagher, Mark Allen Kailburn, William Thoru Kobayashi, Bryan R. Bielec, Friedrich Eduard Purkert
  • Patent number: 8092212
    Abstract: Cooking appliance (1A,1B) having an external and control panel (2,2?) equipped with one or more regulating valves, where the rotary regulator organ (6) is equipped with various peripheral openings (16-19) for supplying a flow Q. According to two embodiments (1A, 1B) of the cooking appliance, for the supply of one or another type of gas, NG or LPG, either the control knob (9) or a bezel disk (22) in the external panel (2) are interchangeable on the appliance, being chosen between two different available units, one and the other permitting two different angular position limits A2, A3 of the regulator organ (6) for the supply of a constant flow Qmin through one or another opening (18,19) with calibrated sections, respectively for NG or LP gas. An appendix (14) in the control knob (9) guided in a slide groove (20) on the control panel (2) of the appliance, or a tongue (24) on the bezel disk stopping the rotation of the control knob, determines the travel limit A2 for the supply of Qmin of NG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventor: Iñigo Albizuri
  • Publication number: 20110311922
    Abstract: Before start-up of a burner, minimum and maximum actuating positions of an actuating drive are set by setting elements. During control of the actuating drive, an automatic firing mechanism receives from a position transducer position signals dependent on the actuating position of the actuating drive reached during operation. The automatic firing mechanism assigns to the minimum actuating position the position signal measured during the feedback of the minimum actuating position of the actuating drive, and assigns to the maximum actuating position of the actuating drive the position signal measured during the feedback of the maximum actuating position of the actuating drive. Using the position signals assigned to the minimum and maximum actuating positions, corresponding control parameters are determined for activating the minimum and maximum actuating positions, and the control parameters are stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Jürgen Josef Garrecht, Stefan Grupp, Josef Lelle
  • Patent number: 8070481
    Abstract: A furnace includes a combustion blower and one or more pressure switches. In some cases, the one or more pressure switches may be used to calculate one or more operating points for the combustion blower. Additional operating points may be calculated by interpolation and/or extrapolation, as appropriate. The furnace may temporarily alter these operating points as necessary to keep the furnace safely operating in response to minor and/or transient changes in the operating conditions of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Timothy J. Nordberg
  • Patent number: 8070482
    Abstract: A system of detection and analysis of gas or fuel oil flames using optical devices, consisting of a sensor that targets the flame's reaction zone through an optical access, a processing and control module, and an actuator, responsible for controlling the damper. The system optimizes combustion equipment operation by controlling the damper, obtaining better performance and reducing polluting emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: Universidad de Concepción, Universidad de la Frontera, ANWO S.A
    Inventors: Oscar Francisco Farias Fuentes, Daniel Gerónimo Sbarbaro Hofer, Robinson Eugenio Betancourt Astete
  • Patent number: 8057219
    Abstract: A dual fuel vent free gas heater having at least one gas burner with a plurality of gas outlet ports. The gas outlet ports are in flow communication with at least one pilot flame burner. At least one fuel injector feeds fuel to the burner providing for introduction of more than one fuel to the burner. Optionally, an oxygen detection system, manual control valve, linkage, and/or shut off control system may be incorporated into the dual fuel vent free heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventors: John Stephen (Steve) Manning, José Joaquín Antxia Uribetxebarria, Ruben Mateos Martin
  • Publication number: 20110269082
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and controllers for controlling gas-fired appliances such as warm air furnaces are disclosed. An illustrative furnace system can include a burner unit in communication with a combustion air flow conduit and heat exchanger, a variable speed inducer fan or blower adapted to provide a flow of combustion air to the burner unit, a furnace controller and motor speed control unit adapted to regulate the speed of the inducer fan or blower, and a pneumatically modulated gas valve adapted to variably output gas pressure to the burner unit based at least in part on the combustion air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Michael W. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20110250548
    Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. When a failed ignition of a burner is detected, the control system is configured to enter a soft lockout state if the voltage level of a burner of the fuel-fired appliance is low during the failed ignition and a hard lockout state if the voltage level of the burner is not low during the failed ignition. In some cases, if a period of time has elapsed and/or the voltage level of the burner has increased after the control system enters the soft lockout state, the control system may be configured to initiate one or more subsequent ignition trials. In some cases, if the one or more subsequent ignition trials fail, the control system may be configured to then enter the hard lockout state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Peter Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110244407
    Abstract: Two controlling devices, namely a combustion controlling device controlling the combustion of a combustion furnace, and a safety controlling device checking the operation of the devices wherein the operations are controlled by the combustion controlling device. This enables safer control of combustion because if there is a fault in either the combustion controlling device or the safety controlling device, a process can be performed by the other device to stop the combustion. Additionally, because the controlling device for controlling the structural elements that control the combustion in the boiler system and the controlling device for operational checks of the outputs from those structural elements are separate, if there is a failure in any of the structural elements or controlling devices, that failure can be detected reliably, enabling safer control of the combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: YAMATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Yamada, Yuuichi Kumazawa, Tomoya Nakata, Katsumi Morikawa
  • Patent number: 8015726
    Abstract: An automatic clothes dryer comprises a cabinet defining an interior space in which is rotatably mounted a drum that defines a drying chamber, a heater assembly having a heating element for heating air, and a motor for rotating the drum. A blower is mounted within the interior space and is fluidly coupled to the drying chamber for moving heated air through the drying chamber. A first temperature sensor is mounted upstream of the heating element. A second temperature sensor is mounted downstream of the blower. Outputs from the temperature sensors are utilized with one or more methods to determine the air flow characteristics through the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Carow, Mark E. Glotzbach
  • Patent number: 8011920
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a valve assembly includes a housing. The housing can define a first fuel input and a second fuel input. The housing can further define a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path. The assembly can include a fluid flow controller configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the first fuel input and either the first flow path or the second flow path, and configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the second fuel input and either the third flow path or the fourth flow path. The assembly can further include a first nozzle member defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the first nozzle member can be in fluid communication with the first flow path. The assembly can further include a second nozzle member defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the second nozzle member can be in fluid communication with the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Publication number: 20110183206
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a carbon nanotube templated battery electrode. The apparatus includes a substrate, and a plurality of catalyst areas extending upward from the substrate, the plurality of catalyst areas forming a patterned frame. The apparatus also includes a carbon nanotube forest grown on each of the plurality of catalyst areas and extending upward therefrom such that a shape of the patterned frame is maintained, and a coating attached to each carbon nanotube in the carbon nanotube forest, the coating formed of an electrochemically active material. The system includes the apparatus, and a particulate cathode material distributed evenly across the apparatus such that the particulate cathode material fills the passages, a current collector film formed on top of the particulate cathode material, and a porous spacer disposed between the apparatus and the cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Robert C. Davis, Richard R. Vanfleet, John Harb, Jun Song
  • Patent number: 7985066
    Abstract: A furnace includes a combustion blower and one or more pressure switches. In some cases, the one or more pressure switches may be used to calculate one or more operating points for the combustion blower. Additional operating points may be calculated by interpolation and/or extrapolation, as appropriate. The furnace may temporarily alter these operating points as necessary to keep the furnace safely operating in response to minor and/or transient changes in the operating conditions of the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Chian, Timothy J. Nordberg
  • Patent number: 7967006
    Abstract: A dual fuel heater can couple with one of two fuel sources operating at different pressures. The dual fuel heater can have a first fuel line, a second fuel line, a fluid flow controller, and a combustion chamber. The fluid flow controller can selectively permit flow of a first fuel to either the first fuel line or flow of a second fuel to the second fuel line. The first fuel line can be in communication with a first oxygen depletion sensor orifice and the second fuel line can be in communication with a second oxygen depletion sensor orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 7967007
    Abstract: A heater can be configured to operate with either a first fuel at a first pressure or a second fuel at a second pressure and can include a fluid flow controller. In some embodiments, the fluid flow controller is configured to permit flow of fuel to a first passageway and to direct a first fuel to a first oxygen depletion sensor line when the controller is in a first position and permit the flow of fuel to a second passageway and to direct a second fuel to a second oxygen depletion sensor line when the controller is in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 7963763
    Abstract: The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulating plug (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16-19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions of the regulating plug (6) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, adjusted each one for a different type of gas N gas or LP gas. The outlet conduit (5) of the valve is equipped with a further injector nozzle (21,23) for adjusting a constant gas flow Qmax to be fed into the conduit (25) of the correspondent burner, when the cooking appliance is supplied with a LP gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventor: Iñigo Albizuri
  • Patent number: 7950384
    Abstract: Cooking appliance having an external and control panel equipped with one or more regulating valves, where the rotary regulator organ is equipped with various peripheral openings for supplying a flow Q. According to two embodiments of the cooking appliance, for the supply of one or another type of gas, NG or LPG, either the control knob or a bezel disk in the external panel are interchangeable on the appliance, being chosen between two different available units, one and the other permitting two different angular position limits A2, A3 of the regulator organ for the supply of a constant flow Qmin through one or another opening with calibrated sections, respectively for NG or LP gas. An appendix in the control knob guided in a slide groove on the control panel of the appliance, or a tongue on the bezel disk stopping the rotation of the control knob, determines the travel limit A2 for the supply of Qmin of NG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventor: Iñigo Albizuri
  • Publication number: 20110111354
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for a heat exchanger system includes a manifold having a plurality of burners, a shutoff valve, a first controller and a second controller. The shutoff valve divides the manifold into a first manifold portion and a second manifold portion. The first controller selectively controls the communication of a fluid within the manifold. The second controller selectively actuates the shutoff valve between a first position and a second position to control a firing rate of the plurality of burners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Brian D. Videto, Ruddy C. Bussjager
  • Publication number: 20110104620
    Abstract: A combustion system comprising a combustion chamber fed by fuel and oxidant delivery lines. The oxidant line has an oxidant tank pressurized by a compressor. The fuel delivery line has a fuel source and a fuel feed mechanism. An ignition device ignites the oxidant and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The coolant line is adapted to inject cooling fluid directly into the combustion chamber. An energy production device is disposed downstream a combustion chamber exhaust valve for converting energy from both exhausted combustion gases and coolant gases exhausted from the combustion chamber. In some embodiments the coolant is the oxidant, while in other embodiments the coolant is another fluid introduced from a separate coolant delivery line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Ilan Tzriker
  • Publication number: 20100319551
    Abstract: A power burner system for use with a heating appliance includes a burner tube, a gas valve for providing gas to the burner tube, and a variable speed combustion air blower for mixing air with the gas provided to the burner tube. The burner system further includes a control in communication with the gas valve and the combustion air blower. The control may also be in communication with various other devices of an appliance, such as a variable speed air-circulating fan, a variable speed exhaust fan, or various sensors associated with the heating appliance. The control modulates the gas valve and the combustion air blower to maintain substantially stoichiometric conditions of the gas and air provided to the burner tube and as a function of signals from at least one of the devices. In one embodiment, the burner system may be used in a conveyor oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: WAYNE/SCOTT FETZER COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald W. Cox, Syed Mohammad Shiblee Noman
  • Patent number: 7845937
    Abstract: A specific electrode arrangement for a burner already exists with which the flame of the burner is influenced by using electrical fields, whereby these electrical fields pass through only areas of the flame in which a stabilizing and pollutant-reducing action occurs. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the electrodes used to this end simultaneously serve both as probes for detecting flame properties as well as active field electrodes for influencing the flame properties. The probe signals can react to the voltage applied in an inertia-free manner to the electrodes without the involvement of mechanical elements. According to the associated device equipped with a burner and associated electrodes and with a power supply unit, the power supply unit furnishes a voltage that varies over time, and at least one measuring transducer exists that detects the current generated in the flame by the voltage between both electrodes and provides feedback to the power supply unit after amplification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Hammer, Günter Lins, Jobst Verleger
  • Patent number: 7806683
    Abstract: A safety valve supply circuit for the ignition of a gas burner is disclosed. Said safety valve is directly supplied by a flame-detecting thermocouple, and said supply circuit comprises a supply capacitor that is charged from an alternating mains voltage, obtaining from the energy accumulated in said supply capacitor, due to said charging, an input voltage signal that is used to temporarily supply said safety valve in order to maintain it open. Said charging of the supply capacitor is carried out by momentarily activating a supply switch to temporarily connect said supply capacitor to said alternating mains voltage, said supply switch activation occurring concurrently with the activation of the gas burner. Said supply circuit also comprises conditioning means for converting said input voltage signal into an output voltage signal that is directly applied to said safety valve to supply it, and so maintain it open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Orkli, S. Coop
    Inventors: José María Mitxelena, Jokin Mujika, José María Lasa
  • Publication number: 20100248169
    Abstract: Disclosed are heaters having at least one adjustable fired burner and an adjustable fired burner for use with various types of heaters. The heaters may be part of an industrial processes such as petroleum refining. The adjustable burners are configured to be adjusted and positioned in any direction and then be locked into place. The adjustable burners may be adjusted automatically or manually. The ability to quickly adjust the position of an adjustable burner results in substantially less or virtually no damage to elements in the heater and provides for a more even distribution of heat within the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Edward R. Morgan, Kenneth D. Peters, Dennis M. Clary
  • Patent number: 7780437
    Abstract: A premix burner includes a vortex generator (30) for combustion air stream (15), devices (17, 17a, 17b, 31-38, 41-48) to inject fuel into the combustion air stream (15), and tangential air ducts (19, 20). The combustion air (15) enters the cone cavity (14) of the vortex generator (30) via the air ducts. The injection of the fuel into the combustion air is done asymmetrically by injection devices (17, 17a, 17b, 31-38, 41-48). At least one of the injection devices (5) is arranged on a fuel lance (3) that extends into the vortex chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Stefano Bernero, Christian Joerg Matz, Martin Zajadatz, Christian Oliver Paschereit
  • Publication number: 20100183992
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for limiting the combustion fume exhaust towards the outside of a continuous furnace, especially a tunnel furnace, for reheating iron and steel products, especially slabs, at the opening located at the entrance of the furnace. The first row of burners consists of at least two burners (2a, 2c) arranged at the same distance (D) from the entrance of the furnace and close thereto, and the burners of the first row of burners are inclined mainly from an angle A towards the discharge area of the furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: FIVES STEIN
    Inventors: Rene-Vincent Chever, Philipe Reynes, Sebastien Lemaire
  • Patent number: 7744366
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a heating system with good thermal efficiency by adjusting combustion air flow in response to fuel-input rate changes over a wide range. An AC motor operates in a slip mode whereby as the fuel-input rate changes, the combustion air density is affected. In response, changes in the load and thus the speed of the motor occur. Consequently, the quantity of combustion air flow increases in response to a fuel-input rate increase. The motor switches to a synchronous speed in response to the fuel-input rate reaching a set value, e.g., 70 percent of maximum rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner Specht
  • Patent number: 7736605
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a duration of burn of a stick of incense includes a base and a ferric rod extending away from and over the base. A hole is provided in the base for placement of a bottom end of the incense. A cylindrical portion is adapted to fit over and slide along a longitudinal length of the incense. A magnet is attached to the cylindrical portion and is adapted to secure the cylindrical portion, where desired, along a longitudinal length of the rod. Accordingly, the incense is supported in two locations and is disposed under and generally parallel to the rod. The incense is able to burn until the area of combustion reaches the cylindrical portion, at which time it is extinguished. Two alternate embodiments are described that allow use of modified forms of the cylindrical portion with prior art types of incense burners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Ralph Gregory Gomez
  • Publication number: 20100136493
    Abstract: Prvided is a catalyst degradation preventing apparatus of a catalyst device containing a catalyst component that comes into contact with gas to chemically change the gas, including a burner for burning a fuel by combustible air to generate a gas containing nitrogen oxides by combustion, an endothermic device for absorbing heat from gas, a catalyst device having a catalyst component for decreasing nitrogen oxides contained in the gas after passing through the endothermic device, and a first poisoning substance removing device for removing a poisoning substance containing at least sulfur, which is contained in the fuel and adsorbs to a catalyst component or reacts with the catalyst component to form a compound. According to the apparatus, the decrease in performance of the catalyst device is prevented, and the effect of decreasing pollution can be retained over a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: MIURA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Tanaka, Kenji Yasui, Masashi Nakashima, Takashi Shindo, Kohei Yamaguchi, Motoshi Kohaku
  • Publication number: 20100037884
    Abstract: A dual fuel heater can couple with one of two fuel sources operating at different pressures. The dual fuel heater can have a first fuel line, a second fuel line, a fluid flow controller, and a combustion chamber. The fluid flow controller can selectively permit flow of a first fuel to either the first fuel line or flow of a second fuel to the second fuel line. The first fuel line can be in communication with a first oxygen depletion sensor orifice and the second fuel line can be in communication with a second oxygen depletion sensor orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 7651330
    Abstract: Cooking appliance (1A,1B) having an external and control panel (2,2?) equipped with one or more regulating valves, where the rotary regulator organ (6) is equipped with various peripheral openings (16-19) for supplying a flow Q. According to two embodiments (1A, 1B) of the cooking appliance, for the supply of one or another type of gas, NG or LPG, either the control knob (9) or a bezel disk (22) in the external panel (2) are interchangeable on the appliance, being chosen between two different available units, one and the other permitting two different angular position limits A2, A3 of the regulator organ (6) for the supply of a constant flow Qmin through one or another opening (18,19) with calibrated sections, respectively for NG or LP gas. An appendix (14) in the control knob (9) guided in a slide groove (20) on the control panel (2) of the appliance, or a tongue (24) on the bezel disk stopping the rotation of the control knob, determines the travel limit A2 for the supply of Qmin of NG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventor: Iñigo Albizuri
  • Patent number: 7641470
    Abstract: The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulating plug (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16-19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions of the regulating plug (6) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, adjusted each one for a different type of gas N gas or LP gas. The outlet conduit (5) of the valve is equipped with a further injector nozzle (21,23) for adjusting a constant gas flow Qmax to be fed into the conduit (25) of the correspondent burner, when the cooking appliance is supplied with a LP gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventor: Iñigo Albizuri
  • Publication number: 20090325112
    Abstract: Provided is a catalyst degradation preventing apparatus, which is for a catalyst device containing a catalyst component that comes into contact with gas to chemically change the gas, in which the catalyst device is provided with a poisoning substance removing device on a primary side thereof, for removing a poisoning substance which is contained in the gas and adsorbs to the catalyst component or forms a compound with the catalyst component. Further, the poisoning substance removing device and the catalyst device are provided with an interval placed therebetween and to be exchangeable with each other, or a carrier of a component that adsorbs to the poisoning substance of the poisoning substance removing device or forms a compound with the poisoning substance and a carrier of a catalyst component of the catalyst device are integrally formed so as to be exchangeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: MIURA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Tanaka, Kenji Yasui, Masashi Nakashima, Takashi Shindo, Kohei Yamaguchi, Motoshi Kohaku
  • Patent number: 7628607
    Abstract: A microcomputer 51 of an electronic circuit unit 50 actuates an electric motor (stepping motor) 20 driving a thermal power control valve of a burner during or just after extinguishment of the burner to displace the thermal power control valve to an opening degree position for ignition. In this way, the delay of the start of an ignition process of the burner for an ignition request can be eliminated to start the ignition process promptly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Atsuhito Gama, Shinichiro Hata, Hiroyuki Yamada, Kazuya Hirota