Abstract: A system is provided to automatically detect and reignite one or more gas burners on a cooktop appliance. Upon determining the absence of a flame at a gas burner, a time period ?td is allowed to elapse during which no flame is detected before sparking is initiated to relight the burner. The value of ?td is based upon the rate of flow of gaseous fuel to the burner with longer time periods being used for lower gas flow rates and shorter time periods being used for higher gas flow rates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a gas type clothes dryer. The method control the dryer to continuously detect condition of a flame sensor even after ignition of the dryer, thereby preventing a drying operation from being performed when a flame has been extinguished due to insufficient gas supply caused by failure of a gas valve.

Abstract: A fuel burner controller and associated method is configured to establish fuel combustion in a fuel burner and to recycle a fuel combustion initiation process when a loss of combustion is detected and a call for heat is asserted. The controller is further configured to limit a number of recycles of the fuel combustion initiation process based on a time budget.

Abstract: A battery powered ignition and control system for a gas burner includes circuits for controlling a pilot burner, a main burner, a flame sensor and an igniter. Mechanically latched valves, which require power only to switch between and open and closed state are used to control the pilot and main gas. The circuitry spends a majority of time in a powered down state and draws power only when required to interrogate the state of the flame and to perform an ignition sequence as required, as periodically dictated by a watchdog system. The latching valves are electrically pulsed to change state and thus draw very low average power when called upon. Lithium batteries provide system power for a long duration.

Abstract: A cooking stove that prevents the execution of a process such as ignition of a burner when a touch switch changes from a non-sensing state to a sensing state. In STEP201, when a first touch switch, which is one of the touch switches provided in an operation, is turned on from off, the process advances to STEP202, where a controller provided in a cooking stove main body starts a 1-second timer. The controller executes a loop composed of STEP203 and STEP210. When a second touch switch, which is one of the touch switches and is different from the first touch switch, is turned on from off in STEP210 before the 1-second timer times up in STEP203, the process advances from STEP210 to STEP211. The controller performs “error reporting” by blinking a display portion and activating a buzzer.

Abstract: An oil burner control system is disclosed in which recycling between a loss of combustion to re-establishment of combustion is limited by counting the number of times recycling occurs and causing a the system to stop recycling and go to lockout after the count reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of rapidly detecting a flame out condition. A thermopile receives heat energy from the flame and generates electrical power to enable operation of a microprocessor. This microprocessor periodically measures the output voltage of the thermopile at one second intervals. An average is taken of eight consecutive samples. A running history of eight averages is stored within a FIFO which serves as a history queue. This FIFO thus stores a digitized signature of the flame condition over the previous 64 seconds. Analysis by the microprocessor is able to make an early detection of the flame out condition be utilizing the current voltage measurement sand the FIFO contents.

Abstract: A stove burner safety system has an electromagnetic valve and a manual gas cock controlling the gas flow to the burner and a spark plug adjacent the burner which receives a spark pulse from the electric circuitry which also controls an electromagnetic valve. When the stem of the manual valve is actuated a switch turns on the electric module and when a flame failure is detected a train of a certain number of spark pulses is supplied to the spark plug and if reignition does not occur within a certain number of pulse or a certain time, the electromagnetic valve is turned off.

Abstract: A method and a system for igniting a gas burner of a gas stove is disclosed, which includes a spark generating circuit to produce sparks for igniting gas burners and a plurality of electrodes which are connected with the spark generating circuit for the ignition of the gas burners. A flame sensor circuit is operated in a first period for producing sparks, through of the electrodes, and in a second period and once the gas burner has been ignited, for sensing the presence of flame on each gas burner. A power source is connected for limiting the voltage to the flame sensor circuit.

Abstract: A device for automatic reignition of an extinguished gas flame in a burner. The burner (10) is connected to a gas source via a security valve (13) operated to its closed position by the action of spring means. By magnetic means the security valve can be kept in its open position under the influence of the EMF generated by a thermocouple (25) heated by the gas flame. An igniter (20,21) is activated by an electronic control arrangement (22) upon the latter detecting changes of a predetermined rate of change in the EMF generated by the thermocouple.

Abstract: A fuel control system, a control unit therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system comprising a control unit that reduces the length of the warm-up time period of an igniter in subsequent successive burner cycles in which ignition is successful until the control device detects an increase in the length of the flame detecting time period in that particular successive burner cycle over the length of the flame detecting time period on a previous burner cycle at which time the control device then increases the length of the previously reduced warm-up time period a certain amount.

Abstract: Recreational vehicles and marine vessels provide for cabin environment heating by a thermostatically controlled furnace which is typically fueled by a portable supply of liquefied petroleum gas and electrically powered by an on board battery. The invention detects and corrects for the situation where the furnace does not light by cycling the thermostat to allow the furnace to relight. The device will allow for three trials before the thermostat is locked out in an off position to prevent the furnace from blowing cold air and draining the battery system. The device provides for centrally located indication of the current temperature and a resettable display of the furnace retrial and lockout condition status, as well as the gas pressure as delivered to the furnace.

Abstract: A hot surface ignition system for a gas furnace or the like, control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system comprising a burner, a settable thermostat, an electrically operable gas valve, a control unit, and an electrically operable hot surface igniter disposed so as to be in the path of gas issuing from the burner that is adapted to be fed the gas from a source thereof through the gas valve when the control unit has been activated by the thermostat to operate the igniter and the gas valve in a certain sequence, the control unit having a lockout unit for deactivating the system should ignition of the gas issuing from the burner not take place by the end of the certain sequence, the control unit having a resetting unit for causing the control unit to be reactivated to be adapted to repeat the certain sequence of the system when the resetting unit is activated, the control unit being adapted to select the certain sequence to have one or more attempts of the control unit to ignit

Abstract: A microcontroller and system allowing for more than one trial time in a furnace system, while using only one pin of the microcontroller. An alternating current signal at an input port of the microcontroller causes the microcontroller to allow a first long trial time period. Any direct current signal at the input port causes the microcontroller to allow only a second shorter trial time period. The trial time input port of the microcontroller is placed between two ports which either receive or send direct current signals. Due to this arrangement of the parts and construction of the microcontroller, the microcontroller will fail to the shorter and safer trial time if a fault causes an erroneous signal to appear at the input port.

Abstract: The electronic grill control employs a microprocessor-based circuit which monitors cooking temperature, cooking time, fuel level and the presence or absence of flame. The fuel level may be displayed alternately as a percentage or fraction of the full tank capacity or in terms of the burning time remaining in the tank. A dual electrode ignition circuit eliminates noise problems in the microprocessor circuitry by establishing the appropriate sparking voltage between the two electrodes instead of between a single electrode and the casting ground. A fuel presence sensor comprising one of the two electrodes measures resistance or conductance of the ionized gases within the flame to provide the microprocessor with an indication that the flame has failed to ignite or has blown out. All information is displayed on an alphanumeric display with audible alarms provided for certain conditions.

Abstract: A low cost hot surface ignition system particularly adapted for use in gas furnaces and the like, the system including low voltage control and timing circuitry effective to control a gas valve and high voltage ignition circuitry incorporating a hot surface silicon carbide igniter disposed in the path of incoming gas and in the heat of the flame when ignition is achieved to effect flame rectification resulting in flame sensing. The system also provides fail-safe operation or safety shutdown of the associated furnace if ignition is not achieved or in the event of a failure of a component of the system.

Abstract: A hot surface ignition system for a gas furnace or the like, control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system comprising a burner, a settable thermostat, an electrically operable gas valve, a control unit, and an electrically operable hot surface igniter disposed so as to be in the path of gas issuing from the burner that is adapted to be fed the gas from a source thereof through the gas valve when the control unit has been activated by the thermostat to operate the igniter and the gas valve in a certain sequence, the control unit having a lockout unit for deactivating the system should ignition of the gas issuing from the burner not take place by the end of the certain sequence, the control unit having a resetting unit for causing the control unit to be reactivated to be adapted to repeat the certain sequence of the system when the resetting unit is activated, the control unit being adapted to select the certain sequence to have one or more attempts of the control unit to ignit

Abstract: A gas burner control system includes an electrical resistance igniter, gas valve means, and a microcomputer and related circuitry. The microcomputer and related circuitry control energizing of the igniter in such a manner so that the igniter, after successive ignition attempts, will eventually, in response to a learning routine, be heated to a desired ignition temperature. The microcomputer and related circuitry also control operation of a circulator blower in response to burner flame and provide for numerous checks on the integrity of system components.

Abstract: A low cost hot surface ignition system particularly adapted for use in gas furnaces and the like, the system including low voltage control and timing circuitry effective to control a gas valve and high voltage ignition circuitry incorporating a hot surface silicon carbide igniter disposed in the path of incoming gas and in the heat of the flame when ignition is achieved to effect flame rectification resulting in flame sensing. The system also provides fail-safe operation or safety shutdown of the associated furnace if ignition is not achieved or in the event of a failure of a component of the system.

Abstract: Provision is made for sensing when the gas valve relay contacts are welded, or stuck, in the closed position and for responsively turning off the inducer motor when that occurs. This in turn causes the pressure switch to open to thereby cut off the power to the gas valve and cause it to move to the closed position.

Abstract: A low cost hot surface ignition system particularly adapted for use in gas furnaces and the like, the system including low voltage control and timing circuitry effective to control a gas valve and high voltage ignition circuitry incorporating a hot surface silicon carbide igniter disposed in the path of incoming gas and in the heat of the flame when ignition is achieved to effect flame rectification resulting in flame sensing. The system also provides fail-safe operation or safety shutdown of the associated furnace if ignition is not achieved or in the event of a failure of a component of the system.

Abstract: A low cost hot surface ignition system particularly adapted for use in gas furnaces and the like, the system including low voltage control and timing circuitry effective to control a gas valve and high voltage ignition circuitry incorporating a hot surface silicon carbide igniter disposed in the path of incoming gas and in the heat of the flame when ignition is achieved to effect flame rectification resulting in flame sensing. The system also provides fail-safe operation or safety shutdown of the associated furnace if ignition is not achieved or in the event of a failure of a component of the system.

Abstract: System for flame start-up/shut-down for a hydrogen gas mixture burner. An electrical probe igniter positioned adjacent the gas port outlet. On demand the igniter is actuated to heat and electrically heat a thermal switch. Responsive electronic controls actuate the appropriate valves and circuits for operational start-up. Upon the ignition of the generated hydrogen gas mixture, a second thermal probe is heated by the flame to deactivate the ignition and start-up circuits. After demand the second thermal probe cools and the circuit is restored for start-up again. A safety probe positioned in the flame is quiescent. In the event of demand time shut-down, the safety probe will activate the circuits for restart. If failure to start-up continues for a predetermined time, the safety probe circuit will effect permanent shut-down.

Abstract: A fuel and ignition control for a pulse combustion furnace includes both analog and digital timing means for fail safe operation, fuel valve control means which depend on proper cyclic operation for proper function, and flame detection means which are fail safe due to the necessity of its components providing a critical phase shift angle. The fuel control valve means includes energy storage means which is stepwise depleted to positively limit the time of valve energization in the absence of detection of flame, and is also disabled after a predetermined time by the digital timing means.

Abstract: An electronic spark ignition system for a heating apparatus which does not have a means of attempting repeated ignition attempts if prior attempts at ignition fail is forced into a recycling mode by an independent, self-contained electronic spark ignition recycler. The recycler includes a temperature sensor for detecting output temperature of the heating apparatus, an on/off circuit for activating and deactivating that circuit, a timing determines the length of time allocated for recycling, a triggerable bidirectional switch to force the electronic spark ignition into a repeat mode, and a means for deactivating the recycler after a predetermined condition is met. The temperature sensor activates the timer which periodically triggers the bidirectional switch until ignition occurs or until the recycler is deactivated.

Abstract: A combustion control apparatus in which a predetermined number of pre-purge and igniting cycles are repeated until ignition takes place successfully. A pre-purge time interval of the second and subsequent igniting cycles is selected shorter than that of the first igniting cycle. When an existing combustion control element which is capable of performing the igniting cycle only once is employed, the intended combustion control is performed by appropriately controlling a reset terminal of the existing combustion control element of signals representative of expirations of the pre-purge time interval and the ignition time interval. The number of the igniting cycles is counted by a counter for stopping operation of the combustion apparatus when a predetermined count value is attained. A novel circuit for the combustion control element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve rod of a gas heating device actuates not only a microswitch, but also a disc valve. A pilot burner and a main burner are separately controlled by individual solenoid operated valve which is serially connected. The disc valve is provided at the upstream of the pilot burner, and between two solenoid operated valves for safeguarding against the erroneous on-state of the microswitch. A sensor will, according to the presence of the pilot flame, instruct an electric control board to continue or discontinue the sparkling of an igniter, to open or close the solenoid valve for supplying gas to the main burner. Thus, the adversity of toxication caused by either the misfunction of microswitch or failure of valve actuation is able to be prevented.

Abstract: A fuel and ignition control for a pulse combustion furnace includes both analog and digital timing means for fail safe operation, fuel valve control means which depend on proper cyclic operation for proper function, and flame detection means which are fail safe due to the necessity of its components providing a critical phase shift angle. The fuel control valve means includes energy storage means which is stepwise depleted to positively limit the time of valve energization in the absence of detection of flame, and is also disabled after a predetermined time by the digital timing means.

Abstract: A fuel ignition system for a heating apparatus includes a burner connected to a fuel supply, a valve for regulating the flow of fuel to the burner, an electrode assembly for producing a spark to ignite the fuel at the burner, an ignition system control module having input and output terminals for controlling the operation of the valve and the electrode assembly in response to a temperature-actuated device, the system control module producing output signals to open the valve and activate the electrode assembly for a predetermined time period to ignite the burner and locking in a non-operable mode to close the valve and deactivate the electrode assembly if the burner fails to ignite within the predetermined time period, and an automatic reset control for activating the system control module after a time-delay period.

Abstract: A safety arrangement in a gas-operated apparatus, such as an absorption refrigerator, having a safety device that controls the gas system and, when required, automatically re-ignites the flame of the gas burner that has become extinguished. The system has a thermostat that is connected to a switch for opening a gas valve when it is necessary to supply gas to the burner. A filament or igniter is also provided which is arranged adjacent to the burner and has a switch which breaks the circuit to the gas valve when a sensor or flame detector at the burner is exposed to a flame.

Abstract: A reignition system for a gas burner especially well suited for employment in recreational vehicles, and the like, for operation directly from the vehicle's low voltage DC electrical power supply. A flyback pulse converter, switched by an SCR, converts the low voltage supply to at least 80 volts. Capacitive discharge means produce a spark for relighting the flame in response to a break in the circuit caused by the flame being extinguished.

Abstract: Apparatus including an improved D.C. operated oscillator for an intermediate power source, a cooperating solenoid gas valve opening and safety shut-off circuit, and a spark igniter with automatic shut-down.

Abstract: A spark ignition circuit begins producing sparking pulses and a storage capacitor begins charging upon closure of a space thermostat. An electromagnetically operated valve controlling gas flow to a burner is energized sufficiently to open only upon discharge of the capacitor and a parallel holding circuit holds open the valve and prevents recharging of the capacitor.A counting circuit, including a first monostable multivibrator, responds to each sparking pulse to effect incremental charging of a capacitor. Circuit means, including a programmable unijunction transistor and a second monostable multivibrator, responds to each occurrence of a predetermined charge on the capacitor to produce an output pulse comprising negative and positive signal voltages occurring in that order. Switching means responding to the positive signal of the first occurring output pulse effects the discharge of the storage capacitor and completion of the holding circuit, whereby the valve is open.

Abstract: A control arrangement for igniting gaseous fuel supplied to a main burner of a fuel ignition system includes a spark producing circuit to ignite the gaseous fuel for establishing a flame at the main burner, a flame sensing circuit for detecting the presence and absence of the flame, and a switching circuit responsive to the flame sensing circuit detecting the presence of the flame for maintaining a control circuit enabled to hold the valve operated and for de-activating the spark producing circuit when the flame becomes established. In the event of a flame-out condition, the flame sensing circuit enables the switching circuit to activate the spark producing circuit to attempt to re-establish the flame.