Abstract: A flame sensor assembly includes a flame sense rod and a flame sensor body. The flame sense rod includes a flame sensor end and a coupling end opposite the flame sensor. The flame sensor body defines a receptacle for receiving the coupling end of the flame sense rod, and includes an adjustable positioning bracket. The assembly also includes a wiring adapter for connecting the flame sensor body with a flame sense signal connector, and a mounting bracket adapted to mount the flame sensor body to a heating device with the flame sensor end of the flame sense rod positioned adjacent a flame of the heating device. Methods of replacing a flame sensor assembly for a heating device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A burner with a flame detector is provided. An atomizing chamber has an aperture. A flame tube is in front of the atomizing chamber, adapted to direct combusting fuel introduced by the atomizing chamber along an interior of the flame tube. A photodiode circuit is located behind the atomizing chamber. A filter is adapted to filter out signals from the photodiode outside of a predetermined bandwidth. Light from combusting fuel in the flame tube reaches the photodiode through the aperture. The output of the filter indicates the presence or absence of the flame in the flame tube based on at least whether enough light received and converted by the photodiode has a flicker rate within the predetermined bandwidth.

Abstract: A burner with a flame detector is provided. An atomizing chamber has an aperture. A flame tube is in front of the atomizing chamber, adapted to direct combusting fuel introduced by the atomizing chamber along an interior of the flame tube. A photodiode circuit is located behind the atomizing chamber. A filter is adapted to filter out signals from the photodiode outside of a predetermined bandwidth. Light from combusting fuel in the flame tube reaches the photodiode through the aperture. The output of the filter indicates the presence or absence of the flame in the flame tube based on at least whether enough light received and converted by the photodiode has a flicker rate within the predetermined bandwidth.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a combustion system includes a burner, a flame charging device, and a flame control system. The burner outputs a flow including fuel that when ignited generates a flame. The flame charging device is positioned adjacent to the flame and charges the flame to generate a charged flame. The control system includes one or more electrodes disposed adjacent to the charged flame, a charge managing module operatively coupled to the one or more electrodes, one or more sensors in electrical communication to the controller, and a controller in electrical communication with the charge managing module and the one or more sensors. The charge managing module controls charging and discharging of the electrodes. The sensors are positioned and configured to measure at least one combustion parameter of the charged flame. The controller controls operation of the charge managing module responsive to the at least one combustion parameter measured by the sensors.

Abstract: A device, a method, and a use thereof for detecting a concentration of a gas or of a gas component. The device as a gas sensor includes at least one sensor element including a gas-sensitive layer and a heating element for heating the gas-sensitive layer. The heating element is able to heat the sensitive layer to a desired temperature prior to the detection and/or is able to maintain it at a desired temperature during the detection. The heating element allows the gas-sensitive layer to be outgassed if needed, so as to allow absorption again. To heat the heating element, there is a first contacting to which a first voltage may be applied. Moreover, subsequent to the heating step, a second voltage may be applied to the sensor element or to the gas-sensitive layer for measured value detection with the aid of a second contacting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas burner for a gas cooking appliance with at least one gas hob and/or one gas oven, wherein the gas burner (10) comprises a heat source (18) and an electric ignition system (24), and wherein an electric or electronic control circuit (38) is provided for controlling the electric ignition system (24). According to the invention the gas burner (10) includes a photovoltaic generator (20) for generating the electric power for the electric ignition system (24).

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater 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.

Abstract: A safety shut-off system and method for eliminating power to a load in the event of smoke detection. The system may comprise a device located at the appliance for detecting a signal from a smoke detector, and cutting power to the appliance only when the appliance is in use. The device may be synchronized with any standard smoke alarm signal to reduce the number of false positive shut-offs. The system may also comprise a smoke alarm hard-wired to a circuit breaker, for shutting off power to all appliances on a particular breaker upon receipt of a signal from the smoke alarm, and only when the appliances on the breaker are in use. The system may also have the ability to shut off one breaker, multiple breakers, or all breakers at different time increments to actively prevent and reduce the damages caused by fires.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the presence of a flame issuing from the flow of fuel through an elongate oven burner comprises an electrical current sensor immersed in a flame having carbon atoms which support such current. The fuel is ignited by a spark igniter. Should no flame exist after a predetermined time interval, or if the flame is extinguished, the supply of fuel to such burner is terminated and the spark igniter is disabled.

Abstract: A furnace system that generates heat by combustion is provided. The furnace system includes a sensor (100) that detects a gas concentration. The sensor is in communication with the flue gas (15). A controller is in communication with the sensor. The controller monitors the gas concentration and acts to control or deactivate the furnace.

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.

Abstract: A pilot burner assembly for easy removal of a thermo-electric or other device is disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, a burner tube, thermo-electric device, and/or spark source are retained in a desired position via a bracket and resilient clip. The bracket may include retention features built into the bracket to help aid in the positioning of the burner tube, thermo-electric device, and/or spark source. The burner tube, thermo-electric device and/or spark source may include retention features that are configured to engage corresponding retention features in the bracket, when desired. The resilient clip may bias the retention features of the burner tube, thermo-electric device and/or spark source against corresponding the retention features of the bracket.

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.

Abstract: A gas cooker control system includes an ignition controller including a touch button, a resistor, a first comparator, a second comparator and a third comparator, one end of the touch button connected to external power source, and the other end connected to first inputs of the first, second and third comparators, the resistor being connected between the inputs of the first, second and third comparators and ground, outputs of the first, second and third comparators being connected to an igniter, a gas valve and a system power source; a gas valve controller including a switch circuit connected to a power source, at least one gas valve circuit connected between the switch circuit and ground, and a protection circuit parallel to the at least on gas valve circuit; and a power and ignition controller driving device including a power source driving circuit, an ignition driving circuit and a comparison circuit.

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.

Abstract: A control facility is provided for a burner system having a burner, actuators with which the supply of fuel and air to the burner is set, and an ionization electrode arranged in the flame zone. The control facility is equipped with a flame amplifier at the ionization electrode to generate an ionization signal and a positioning facility which, in control operation, positions a first actuator and regulates a second actuator by using a corresponding target value for the ionization signal. The positioning facility carries out a control operation in a first test step, it shifts the actuators toward a supply ratio corresponding to an air coefficient above the stoichiometric value of ?=1 and in so doing captures the ionization signal in a second test step, and it calculates a target value from this and from stored data in a third test step. Correction of drift therefore takes place.

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.

Abstract: A lockout control system for a cooktop appliance having a surface heating unit includes a controller coupled to the cooktop, a lockout device coupled to the controller, a surface burner state switch coupled between the controller and the lockout device, the surface burner state switch configured to prevent operation of the lockout device when the surface heating unit is enabled.

Abstract: An ignition system for a gas furnace being controlled by a main controller and having at least one burner is provided. The ignition system may include at least one flame sensor and an interface module. The flame sensor may be disposed in close proximity to the burner and configured to output a flame check signal indicative of a status of a flame at the burner. The interface module may be configured to receive the flame check signal and generate a fault check signal based on the flame check signal.

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.

Abstract: A time-varying voltage is applied to an electrode, or a pair of electrodes, of a sensor installed in a fuel nozzle disposed adjacent the combustion zone of a continuous combustion system, such as of the gas turbine engine type. The time-varying voltage induces a time-varying current in the flame which is measured and used to determine flame capacitance using AC electrical circuit analysis. Flame capacitance is used to accurately determine the position of the flame from the sensor and the fuel/air ratio. The fuel and/or air flow rate (s) is/are then adjusted to provide reduced flame instability problems such as flashback, combustion dynamics and lean blowout, as well as reduced emissions. The time-varying voltage may be an alternating voltage and the time-varying current may be an alternating current.

Abstract: A combustion chamber (1), in particular in a gas turbine, has at least two burners (A-H) that are connected to a fuel supply (3) via controllable fuel valves (2? and 2). Each burner (A to H) is assigned at least one optical measuring device (4) for detecting chemiluminescent radiation, and the combustion chamber (1) is assigned a pressure sensor (7) for detecting a combustion chamber pressure. The optical measuring device (4) and the pressure sensor (7) are connected to a computing and control device, which calculates a correlation value from the incoming measured values. A high correlation value signifies that the associated burner is prone to pulsation. The computing and control device (6) is designed in such a way that it determines the burner or a burner group with the highest correlation and controls the associated fuel valve(s) in such a way that more fuel is fed to the respective burner or the respective burner group, and the pulsation tendency thereof is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A flame rod analysis system, methods for determining a condition of a flame and a flame rod, and circuits for determining a condition of a flame and a flame rod. The flame rod analysis system comprises energy storage connectable to a flame rod, a pulsed source connected to the energy storage and providing a voltage pulse or a current pulse, and a buffer to allow a processor to measure a buffered voltage at various time points. Flame rod analysis systems can distinguish between various flame conditions (no flame, low flame, etc.) while simultaneously characterizing the condition of the flame rod (shorted to ground, contaminated, etc.). Some flame rod analysis systems can directly measure the resistance of the flame rod.

Abstract: Contamination rate reduction for a flame detection or sensor arrangement using controlled but flexible flame sensor activation. A flame sensor of the subject application is subject to contamination which reduces the lifetime of the sensor. To reduce a contamination rate of the flame sensor, the sensor may be inactivated for certain periods of time when the necessity of flame detection does not appear significant for the use at hand.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the presence of a flame issuing from the flow of fuel through an elongate oven burner comprises an electrical current sensor immersed in a flame having carbon atoms which support such current. The fuel is ignited by a spark igniter. Should no flame exist after a predetermined time interval, or if the flame is extinguished, the supply of fuel to such burner is terminated and the spark igniter is disabled.

Abstract: A furnace system responsive to a thermostat includes a pollutant sensor for sensing a pollutant concentration in the furnace system. The pollutant sensor is configured to open when the pollutant concentration reaches a pollutant threshold and close when the pollutant concentration falls below the pollutant threshold. When the thermostat is calling for heat, a furnace controller monitors the pollutant sensor and disables the furnace system for a lockout period if a lockout criterion related to the pollutant sensor is met.

Abstract: A furnace system that generates heat by combustion is provided. The furnace system includes a sensor (100) that detects a gas concentration. The sensor is in communication with the flue gas (15). A controller is in communication with the sensor. The controller monitors the gas concentration and acts to control or deactivate the furnace.

Abstract: A control for controlling the operation of a fuel-fired heating appliance is provided that include a sensor capable of sensing the presence of carbon monoxide gas and providing an output indicative of the level of carbon monoxide gas. The control further includes a microprocessor that periodically reads the CO sensor output and stores at least one sensor output value in a memory, wherein the microprocessor responsively discontinues the operation of the appliance when the microprocessor detects a sensor output that has increased by more than a predetermined amount over at least one previously stored sensor output value. In one embodiment, the control is preferably configured to periodically read the sensor output value, and responsive discontinue operation of an appliance upon sensing a predetermined increase of at least a 50 percent increase over the previously monitored sensor output value over a period of about 15 to 90 minutes.

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.

Abstract: An electronically activated gas cooktop control system, responsive to a touch-sensitive user interface, and capable of providing a predetermined range of cooking and simmer levels of BTU output, has two complementary heating modes of operation A first heating mode of operation is provided to produce a wide selection of simmer levels of BTU output, by electronically sequencing a solenoid-operated modulating gas valve “on” and “off”, at a predetermined level of flame. A second cooking mode of operation is provided by electronically modulating the level of flame, through use of a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) output signal to produce a wide selection of cooking levels of BTU output. An igniter system capable of insuring proper ignition of gas without generating harmful electromagnetic interference is also provided.

Abstract: A modulating gas burner control system using closed loop feedback from a flame rod which provides a signal that varies with gas pressure and which provides combustion air fan control to accurately control the heat from the system without use of expensive control valves.

Abstract: A fault detection system and method for a warm air furnace is provided. A sensing circuit connected to an AC power source measures a level of current consumption during several points in the warm air furnace operating sequence. The measured level of current consumption is compared with an expected value. If the measured level exceeds the expected level by a threshold amount, a fault in the warm air furnace may be detected. An indication of at least one warm air furnace component that is most likely to have caused the fault may be provided.

Abstract: A method, and a system using the method, of controlling a heating device. The method includes combusting a mixture of fuel and air in a sealed combustion chamber thereby forming a reaction zone in which the fuel reacts with the air, and also forming outside of the reaction zone an ion zone in which ions are formed as a result of combustion. The method also includes positioning an ion detecting member in the ion zone, and generating an electrical signal at the ion detecting member in response to an ion concentration in the ion zone. The method also includes detecting a direction reversal of the electrical signal at the ion detecting member, and stopping combusting the mixture in response to the reverse of the direction of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater is provided with a combustion shutoff system which precludes further combustion within the water heater's combustion chamber in response to a combustion temperature therein reaching a predetermined level correlated to and indicative of a predetermined, undesirably high concentration of carbon monoxide present in the combustion chamber. In various illustrated embodiments thereof, the combustion shutoff system is operative to terminate further combustion air inflow to the combustion chamber, or terminate further fuel flow to the burner portion of the water heater.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater is provided with a combustion shutoff system which precludes further combustion within the water heater's combustion chamber in response to a combustion temperature therein reaching a predetermined level correlated to and indicative of a predetermined, undesirably high concentration of carbon monoxide present in the combustion chamber. In various illustrated embodiments thereof, the combustion shutoff system is operative to terminate further combustion air inflow to the combustion chamber, or terminate further fuel flow to the burner portion of the water heater.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions in a flueless heating appliance or heater includes a heat-exchanger for exchanging heat contained in fumes produced by the combustion of a fuel in the heating appliance. A heating appliance or heater without a fume flue includes a burner supplied with a gaseous fuel, an evacuator for discharging into an environment outside the heater fumes produced by combustion of the fuel, and a heat-exchanger for receiving the fumes from the burner and sending them to the evacuator. A method for reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions in a flueless heating appliance, supplied with a gaseous fuel, includes removing heat in a controlled manner from fumes produced by the combustion of the fuel so as to minimize the conversion of NO into NO2 in the fumes.

Abstract: A gas-fired water heater is provided with a combustion shutoff system which precludes further combustion within the water heater's combustion chamber in response to a combustion temperature therein reaching a predetermined level correlated to and indicative of a predetermined, undesirably high concentration of carbon monoxide present in the combustion chamber. In various illustrated embodiments thereof, the combustion shutoff system is operative to terminate further combustion air inflow to the combustion chamber, or terminate further fuel flow to the burner portion of the water heater.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the monitoring of the combustion process within a combustion system. The apparatus comprises; a combustion system, a means for supplying fuel and an oxidizer, a device for igniting the fuel and oxidizer in order to initiate combustion, and a sensor for determining the current conducted by the combustion process. The combustion system comprises a fuel nozzle and an outer shell attached to the combustion nozzle. The outer shell defines a combustion chamber. Preferably the nozzle is a lean premix fuel nozzle (LPN). Fuel and an oxidizer are provided to the fuel nozzle at separate rates. The fuel and oxidizer are ignited. A sensor positioned within the combustion system comprising at least two electrodes in spaced-apart relationship from one another. At least a portion of the combustion process or flame is between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A gas furnace responsive to a thermostat includes a thermal switch wired in series between the furnace power supply and the thermostat. A microprocessor connected to the thermal switch detects when the switch opens and closes, carrying out prearranged programs in response thereto. The thermal switch is mounted so that it opens when an over-pressure in the furnace draft system is detected, as evidenced by hot flue gasses passing over the thermal switch probe. The switch is allowed to cycle at least one time before the furnace is disabled. After a certain period of the time, the combustion cycle is reinitiated and the above steps are repeated if the thermal switch again resets.

Abstract: A device for increasing an extreme low voltage from a heat to electrical voltage thermopile is shown. The device has an oscillator including two MOSFET transistors coupled to a transformer having four bifilar windings wound on a core having a high permeability. The two transistors operate alternately to generate an intermediate voltage which is increased in magnitude by a voltage doubling and rectifying circuit to obtain the substantially constant operating output voltage. The output voltage is further maintain constant by a current control cirucit including an adjustable potentiometer adjustable to vary the current.

Abstract: A burner for liquid fuel has an electric heating device for start up heating a fuel vaporization chamber to a selected temperature, a flame retention baffle being fitted on the vaporization chamber with a temperature sensor sensing temperature of the vaporization. When the vaporization chamber is heated to a desired temperature of about 350 degrees celsius by deflected hot exhaust gas products from the burner operation and such temperature is sensed, the sensor outputs a signal so that the electric heating device can be shut down, vaporization chamber heating then being maintained by the deflected hot exhaust gas flow.

Abstract: A regulating device for a burner regulates the air-gas ratio by way of an ionization electrode. In the event of dynamic changes in output preliminary control is implemented in accordance with the invention with two or more stored characteristics.

Abstract: During start-up a regulating device monitors the quality of the air ratio control in respect of time in accordance with the invention in that it observes the difference of a signal and comparison signal.

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 sensor for detecting the flame occurring during a flashback condition in the fuel nozzle of a lean premix combustion system is presented. The sensor comprises an electrically isolated flashback detection electrode and a guard electrode, both of which generate electrical fields extending to the walls of the combustion chamber and to the walls of the fuel nozzle. The sensor is positioned on the fuel nozzle center body at a location proximate the entrance to the combustion chamber of the gas turbine combustion system. The sensor provides 360° detection of a flashback inside the fuel nozzle, by detecting the current conducted by the flame within a time frame that will prevent damage to the gas turbine combustion system caused by the flashback condition.

Abstract: A cooking appliance with a cooktop including at least one gas burner includes a control for sequentially delivering gas and igniting the gas to burner ports. The control comprises a valve with a responsive element for controlling gas flow to the burner ports, an ignition module for generating a drive signal to an ignitor, an electronic controller interfacing with the ignition module and coupled to a driver for actuating a responsive element in the valve. The driver that causes displacement of the responsive element includes a pick up actuator enabling the responsive element to initiate a status that opens the passageway. The valve also includes a holding actuator that enables the responsive element to maintain the status of the passageway as open when flame is detected at the burner.

Abstract: A conventional watchdog timer circuit is arranged to judge a microcomputer to be normal as long as a pulse signal is being outputted from the microcomputer. Therefore, an abnormal condition cannot be detected when an operating frequency of the microcomputer lowers, for example. As a solution, the watchdog timer circuit is provided with a function for detecting the frequency. If the frequency of the pulse signal deviates from a predetermined frequency range, a reset signal is outputted indicating that the microcomputer is abnormal, even if the pulse signal is being outputted. A solenoid-operated gate valve is thereby closed to stop the supply of gas to a gas burner.

Abstract: During start-up a regulating device monitors the quality of the air ratio control in respect of time in accordance with the invention in that it observes the difference of a signal and comparison signal.

Abstract: A first object of the invention is to provide a control circuit (1) for gas burners with a fail-safe system. The circuit (1) includes a microcontroller (2) that acts on at least one valve (4), flame detector circuits (50) and tap opening detector switches (6). For each valve (4) the circuit (1) has a plurality of switches by means of which these valves are supplied with the voltage required to open them and keep them open. The microcontroller (2) governs said switches in accordance with the signals it receives from the circuits (5), from the switches (6), and from points of the actual circuit (1). The circuit (1) is safe against the failure of any of its components, including the microcontroller (2). A second object of the invention is also to provide a circuit (1) that has protection against a double failure.

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.