Thermoelectric Generator Sensor Patents (Class 431/80)
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Patent number: 6648627Abstract: The invention relates to a gas appliance (1), with a gas burner (4) in the lower part of the said appliance and in the vicinity of an underlying surface (6), further comprising: an atmosphere control pilot light (12) fitted with a primary air inlet orifice connected to which is a tube (10), the free orifice (11) of which is located below the gas burner (4); and means (12) for detecting the temperature of the flame (15) of the pilot light which are operationally coupled to means (14) for cutting off the gas supply to the main burner (4); whereby the gas supply to the burner is interrupted when cooling of the flame of the pilot light, caused by gas enrichment of the mixture (vapors in the primary air, air intake obstructed by a liquid phase) is detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: SourdillonInventor: Bernard Dane
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Patent number: 6644957Abstract: A device for controlling a damper in an appliance is disclosed comprising a motor having a rotatable shaft extending therefrom which is operatively connected to a plate of the damper, a control circuit which transmits current to the motor to rotate the shaft and in turn rotate the plate to a first position and to a second position, and a dynamic brake operatively connected to the motor, which acts to reduce rotation of the shaft when the circuit supplying current to the motor is opened.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Effikal International, Inc.Inventor: Cory A. Weiss
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Publication number: 20030108835Abstract: A damper control device is disclosed comprising a mounting plate, a motor assembly coupled to the mounting plate and having a shaft extending therefrom, and a single circuit board coupled to the mounting plate, comprising relay control circuitry which rotates the shaft to an open position in response to a first signal, rotates the shaft to a closed position in response to a second signal, and time delay circuitry which holds the shaft in the open position for a period of time after receipt of the second signal. Preferably the damper control device can be used with an oil-fired heating appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventor: Cory A. Weiss
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Patent number: 6561138Abstract: A water heater is arranged with the hot water storage chamber R1 at the top and the combustion chamber R2 at the bottom within the body 11 which is a container. The combustion chamber R2 is equipped with the air supply inlet 13a, and the flame arrester 27 is provided at the air supply inlet 13a. Within the combustion chamber R2, the main burner 22 and the pilot burner 25 are provided, the changing state of flame of the pilot burner 25 is detected by the thermocouple 26, and a controller 41 closes an electromagnetic valve for opening and closing the main gas passage, stops the combustion of the main burner 22 as well, and rings the alarm 44. In an alternate embodiment, a sensor burner 60 is used as a safety device to detect a state of flame of the sensor burner and to shut off fuel to the main gas burner.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Paloma Industries, LimitedInventors: Toshihiro Kobayashi, Hideo Chikazawa, Masaru Kodama
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Publication number: 20030049574Abstract: The invention relates to a gas appliance (1), with a gas burner (4) in the lower part of the said appliance and in the vicinity of an underlying surface (6), further comprising: an atmosphere control pilot light (12) fitted with a primary air inlet orifice connected to which is a tube (10), the free orifice (11) of which is located below the gas burner (4); and means (12) for detecting the temperature of the flame (15) of the pilot light which are operationally coupled to means (14) for cutting off the gas supply to the main burner (4); whereby the gas supply to the burner is interrupted when cooling of the flame of the pilot light, caused by gas enrichment of the mixture (vapours in the primary air, air intake obstructed by a liquid phase) is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventor: Bernard Dane
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Patent number: 6522235Abstract: A switch structure for a heating device having a passage formed within the main body of the structure, an air inlet, a main flame air outlet, a second air outlet and a thermocouple insertion hole connected to the passage being formed on the main body, and a manual control rod having a stopper being provided within the passage of the main body, two through holes being formed corresponding to the main flame air outlet and the second flame air outlet; characterized in that the main flame air outlet, the thermocouple insertion hole and the second flame air outlet have upward direction openings of similar direction, and the main flame air outlet and the air inlet are located on the same axis, and a stopper is suitably mounted between the main flame outlet and the air inlet, thereby the lighting rod of the switch, the thermocouple and the second air tube are extended in same direction to form an easy assemble, safe and stable switch for the heater.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventor: Yu Jen Cheng
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Patent number: 6428308Abstract: An apparatus for and method for providing easy and rapid conversion from a first fuel to a second fuel in a gas appliance. The gas appliance has a variable fuel valve controlled by a microprocessor. A table stored in non-volatile memory has an entry for each of the fuels to be burned in the gas appliance. The table entries are empirically determined at the time of manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventors: Douglas D. Bird, Stephen J. Kemp
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Patent number: 6364656Abstract: A gas burner includes a gas valve block having a gas input control part connected to a fuel gas source and a gas output control part connected to a flame tube and gas nozzle for producing an igniting flame for burning fuel gas outputted through the flame tube, a differential pressure device adapted to control the fuel gas passage between the gas input control part and the gas output control part through a normal-close valve and a normal-open valve, an electronic igniter controlled by a cock in the gas valve block through a micro-switch to discharge sparks through discharging electrode means for burning fuel gas outputted through the gas nozzle, and a temperature switch for controlling the operation of the normal-open valve and the electronic igniter subject to a predetermined temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Inventor: Wen Chou Chen
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Patent number: 6354830Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Fagor, S. Coop.Inventor: Eduardo Beltran de Nanclares
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Patent number: 6352428Abstract: Valve arrangement (1,2) for automatically controlling the gas flow in the burner of a gas fireplace appliance, comprising a manual flow regulating tap (1) connected to the gas supply and provided with a rotary control knob (1a), a gas switching servovalve operated by a diaphragm (8), connected in series to the manual valve outlet (1b), and whose action is governed by an auxiliary electromagnetic bleed valve (5,15), an electronic control circuit (3) supplied by an electrical battery (4) and an electrical thermostat switch inserted in the auxiliary valve supply line.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Fagor, S. Coop.Inventors: José J. Antxia Uribetxebarria, Maite Amozarrain Atxa
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Patent number: 6346789Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling the circulating fan of a gas appliance. The circulating fan is powered by an alternating current electric motor. An electronic circuit, powered by the heat of the gas appliance, determines the rotational speed of the electric motor by controlling the effective duty cycle of the alternating current source coupled to the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Douglas D. Bird, Brent Chian
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Patent number: 6261087Abstract: A burner system for use in applications such as a gas fireplace insert has a main burner, a standing pilot burner, a burner control unit, and a fuel valve. In one embodiment, the fuel valve and burner control unit receive power from a power source such as a thermopile mounted to receive energy from the pilot burner. The burner control unit includes a switch controlling power to the fuel valve and a RF receiver. The RF receiver controls the opening and closing of the switch responsive to encoded RF signals transmitted to it by a remote transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Douglas D. Bird, John E. Bohan, Jr., Patrick S. Gonia
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Patent number: 6257871Abstract: A device for controlling a gas-fired appliance having a thermoelectric device such as a thermopile is provided and, particularly, for controlling a damper and a main burner valve within a gas-fired appliance. The device includes a motor having a shaft extending therefrom for connection to a plate of a damper. The device further includes a control circuit that selectively transmits current from the thermoelectric device to the motor and to the main burner valve of the appliance. The control circuit includes a temperature sensor and a plurality of single pole double throw switches. When the temperature sensor determines that the temperature of a medium such as water or air is below a predetermined temperature, current is directed through the switches to the motor in order to open the damper. Once the damper is opened, current is redirected through the switches to the valve to open the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Effikal International, Inc.Inventors: Cory A. Weiss, Paul W. Droll
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Patent number: 6122567Abstract: An event detector and associated methods of protecting systems provide convenient and economical safety features. In a described embodiment, an ignition sequence detector for a boiler system has a microprocessor which is programmed so that an ignition control module of the boiler system is deprived of primary power when an improper sequence of events occurs. The ignition sequence detector includes multiple event detectors interconnected to the microprocessor, and is configured so that it is usable in high RFI environments.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Patrick J. Keegan
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Patent number: 6059562Abstract: A gas appliance is provided for producing an open flame. The gas appliance includes an elongated gas tube, a gas inlet, a nozzle, a flame sensor, a gas shut-off valve, and a protective member. The gas tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The gas inlet is located near the proximal end, for connection to a source of combustible gas. The nozzle is located at the distal end, for expelling the combustible gas to produce the open flame. The flame sensor detects the open flame and communicates its absence or presence to the gas shut-off valve. The gas shut-off valve has a valve inlet, a valve outlet, a control input, and the over-ride mechanism. The valve inlet is connected to the gas inlet. The valve outlet is connected to the proximal end of the elongated gas tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Bethlehem Steel CorporationInventor: Elmer D. Anderson, II
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Patent number: 5975884Abstract: A temperature control system for gas operated devices. The system includes a burner (23) that is connected to a gas supply through a regulator (41). A pilot light assembly (26) has a first vane (29) and a second vane (32) which provide a flame for igniting the gas from the burner (23) and for heating a thermocouple (38) to produce a control voltage for operating the regulator (41) and a temperature control (44).Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: H. Barry BoneInventor: Arthur Ralph Dugger
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Patent number: 5967766Abstract: A heater control system, parts therefor, and methods of making them are disclosed. The heater control system includes a fuel control unit having a thermocouple operated unit in the housing thereof, which has an opening therein leading to the thermocouple operated unit. The tip or end of the thermocouple device is secured in the opening for operative connection to the thermocouple operated unit. The thermocouple device has a unique securing structure which permits the end thereof to be axially moved from outside the housing to a certain desired axial position within the opening and cooperates with a unique securing structure on the housing to secure the end of the thermocouple device in the certain desired axial position.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventor: Jay Katchka
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Patent number: 5941699Abstract: Shutoff system for a gas fired appliance includes a shutoff for increased carbon monoxide concentration. A proximity sensor is associated with a thermocouple and conventional solenoid shutoff valve. Slight changes in the current resulting from temperature variations monitored by the thermocouple provide an indication of increased carbon monoxide levels. The thermocouple sensor is also preferably placed in the plenum to monitor the temperature of primary and/or secondary screens associated with the gas fired appliance. Moreover, a reflector, or concentrating element such as a parabolic reflector, focuses the radiant energy on the thermocouple.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Mr. Heater, Inc.Inventor: Alan C. Abele
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Patent number: 5931655Abstract: A temperature control system for a gas-fired appliance which uses a thermoelectric device to develop power for recharging a primary energy source, such as a rechargeable battery. The present invention provides a reliable and efficient system for controlling and powering a temperature control system.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1998Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Tridelta Industries, Inc.Inventor: Charles A. Maher, Jr.
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Patent number: 5816490Abstract: The thermostatic gas valve comprises a body (2) wherein three cylindrical cavities of parallel axes (8,9,10) contain the flow valves (6,20,13,14) and a thermostatic bellows (11), a single rotating knob (7) having a cap (7a) and an inner cylindrical member (7b) with relative axial movement, and four chambers (30,31,32,33) communicating a respective valve with the two pairs of gas inlets (34,34') and outlets (35,35') located for access thereto from the front of the valve. The guide means (23,40) for the central shaft (8') of the knob (7) are combined with the guide means (15a,15b,15c,41) for the body cover (15) located underneath the knob (7), to find its different angular positions. The obturators of the minimum and proportional gas flows are formed in a single piece by two integral parts.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Fagor, S. Coop.Inventor: Jon Ganzabal Areso
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Patent number: 5812061Abstract: A sensor provides a status signal indicating a condition of an operating system to the operating system's control system. The sensor has an inherent variable quantity such as resistance whose magnitude indicates the operating system status. The control system includes a user-operable switch which when actuated signals the microprocessor to determine the approximate value of the sensor's variable quantity. The magnitude of the variable quantity is then indicated by a signal comprising one or more beeps of sound or flashes of light. The number of beeps or flashes indicates the approximate present magnitude of the sensor's variable quantity. In a preferred embodiment, the control system comprises a microprocessor programmed to control the operating system and to perform most of the functions of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: Richard W. Simons
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Patent number: 5791890Abstract: A gas oven having an electronic controller for directly controlling the gas valve and burner ignition. The controller opens the gas valve and activates the ignitor whenever oven heating is required and then determines whether ignition has occurred, detected by an indicator of ignition, often a conventional oven thermostat, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature device (RTD), or other type of temperature sensor. Positive proof of ignition is given by determining whether the detected temperature is increasing at a particular rate. The gas valve is closed if ignition does not occur within a predetermined time, preferably about 10-15 seconds. Re-ignition may be attempted after a sufficient delay. The controller also closes the gas valve whenever the oven temperature is decreasing at a predetermined rate or is increasing at less than a predetermined rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: James Rollins Maughan
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Patent number: 5769622Abstract: A gas combustion apparatus comprises a burner, a thermal electric power generation element that uses the burner's combustion to produce a thermoelectromotive force, a voltage boosting circuit that raises the voltage of the thermoelectromotive force by the oscillation of an oscillation unit and a storage battery that is charged by the voltage-increased thermoelectromotive force. The oscillation unit consists of free running multivibrators and oscillates in dependence on the resistance of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor. If the positive temperature coefficient thermistor reaches a prescribed temperature or shorts out and fails, its resistance value changes and the oscillator unit stops its oscillation, whereby in the voltage boosting circuit the voltage rise stops, and electromagnetic safety valve closes.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Paloma Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Aoki, Kouichi Mitsufuji, Tetsuya Ohara
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Patent number: 5752817Abstract: A fuel enriched ignitor for a fuel gas burner appliance wherein a fuel enricher tube is provided with a coupling having a threaded insert which, by way of a metering orifice, matches the enricher tube to the particular fuel gas being used. By both two-element and three-element ignitors are disclosed. The ignitor is also illustrated in a gas supply system having a single main valve which serves both the enricher tube and the primary appliance burner.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Solaronics, Inc.Inventor: Farshid Ahmady
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Patent number: 5722823Abstract: In a gas appliance, such as a domestic gas fire or heater, there is provided a gas ignition device comprising a solenoid actuator which is electrically operable to cause a gas valve to initiate a gas flow, an igniter which is electrically operable to ignite the gas flow, and a remote control unit connected to the gas actuator and the igniter by a low voltage line. The control unit incorporates a power supply for providing a low voltage output and a timer circuit for applying the low voltage output to the line by actuation of a relay to cause gas ignition in response to manual actuation of a switch. Such a gas ignition device is advantageous because the remote control unit can be mounted at some distance from the appliance so that none of the circuit components of the remote control unit is subjected to high temperature in use, and there is no requirement for a high voltage supply to the appliance itself and only low voltages are supplied to the inside of the appliance.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1995Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Inventor: Neil John Hodgkiss
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Patent number: 5720608Abstract: A combusting apparatus of the present invention can easily recharge an incorporated storage battery that has been exhausted to or below a required minimum level. A burner (18) in the combusting apparatus is further provided with a thermoelectricity generating element (4), which receives the heat of combustion and generates a thermoelectric e.m.f. When a multi-contact switch (16) is activated to set the arrangement of plural capacitors (15) in parallel, the capacitors (15) having the parallel configuration are charged with a thermoelectric e.m.f. generated by the thermoelectricity generating element (4). When an operation of a switching button (20) activates the multi-contact switch (16) to change the arrangement of the capacitors (15) from the parallel configuration to the series configuration, the sum of the voltages of the capacitors (15) is applied to an oscillation circuit (9) included in a booster circuit (8) as well as a storage battery (12).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Paloma Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yutaka Aoki, Yuzuru Watanabe, Koichi Mitsufuji
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Patent number: 5720607Abstract: An ignitor includes a first transistor, a transformer, an ignition member, and a switching control member. The first transistor is activated in accordance with supply from a DC power supply to perform switching. The transformer has a primary winding through which a switching current flows via the first transistor, a secondary winding for generating high voltage when the switching current flows through the first winding, and a tertiary winding for generating a control output for controlling the switching of the first transistor in accordance with the high voltage generated in the secondary winding. The ignition member ignites a target object using the high voltage generated in the secondary winding of the transformer. The switching control member prolongs the ON time for the switching of the first transistor in accordance with a decrease in at least one of the ambient temperature and the power supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Yamatake-Honeywell Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuji Morio, Yasuhiro Oya, Nobumasa Iguchi
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Patent number: 5645411Abstract: A gas radiation burner has a burner plate, and a safety element providing an ignition safety for non-burnt discharging gas for igniting gas or interrupting a gas supply. The safety element is formed as a temperature measuring resistance which contacts the burner plate via electrical conductors and is composed of a material of the burner plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Schott GlaswerkeInventors: Kurt Schaupert, Michael Kahlke
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Patent number: 5630408Abstract: The invention relates to a gas/air ratio control apparatus for a temperature control loop for household gas appliances, in particular for domestic/direct hot water units and combined direct hot water/central heating units, for temperature control of domestic and/or heating water. The invention is particularly suitable for household appliances up to 120 KW. The gas/air ratio control apparatus comprises a controllable fan (3) for supplying a predetermined air stream (2-2) to a burner (4) in dependence on the detected actual temperature (T.sub.Actual) and the desired target temperature (T.sub.Target) of the heating and/or domestic hot water; and a pressure-controllable valve (8) for controlling the supply of a specified fuel quantity (1) to the burner (4) in dependency exclusively on the absolute pressure of the air stream (2-2) produced by the controllable fan (3).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1994Date of Patent: May 20, 1997Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of DelawareInventor: Marius Versluis
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Patent number: 5599181Abstract: A combustion apparatus has a built-in storage battery and has circuitry which restores a sufficient amount of stored electrical energy in the storage battery when the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage battery is lowered below a required level. A thermoelectric generator element is heated by combustion heat produced by a burner to generate a thermal electromotive force. A manual operation of a slide button causes an associated multi-contact switch to repetitively turn ON and OFF, such that a coil in a booster circuit boosts a voltage generated by the thermoelectric generator element. The boosted voltage is applied to an oscillator circuit in the booster circuit, so that the booster circuit is driven to boost the voltage from the thermoelectric generator element as well as to start powering the oscillator circuit and a storage battery. Consequently, a sufficient amount of stored electrical energy is restored in the storage battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: February 4, 1997Assignee: Paloma Industries LimitedInventors: Yutaka Aoki, Yuzuru Watanabe, Kouichi Mitsufuji
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Patent number: 5591024Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of gas for artificial logs. The apparatus includes a main gas burner and a pilot as well as a gas valve which controls the flow of gas to the main burner and to the pilot. The pilot includes a oxygen depletion sensor. A thermal responsive electrical generator is adjacent to the pilot and is connected to the valve. The output voltage of the generator, while under load, is at least 140 millivolts so as to operate the gas valve, which is capable of full automatic operation without the use of an additional electrical source. In addition, the thermal responsive electrical generator is positioned with respect to the pilot so that gas from the pilot will not continue to burn about the generator when the oxygen depletion sensor senses a predetermined low level of oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1994Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Appalachian Stove & Fabricators, Inc.Inventors: Barry Eavenson, James S. Rice
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Patent number: 5549469Abstract: A control system for a multiple burner furnace has a programmable processor interfaced to hardware input and output circuitry associated with the furnace. The programmed processor provides a number of operating modules including a polling module, a startup module, a run module, and an alarm module. The processor and the associated hardware are interlocked in such a fashion that safe operation of the furnace is assured. For example, watchdog timers driven from the processor are interlocked with flame sensing hardware to control the main fuel valve and prevent fuel from flowing to the furnace in the event of either hardware or software malfunction. The safety features are equivalent to or better than a hardwired dedicated control system, while providing additional program-related flexibility and functionality.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Eclipse Combustion, Inc.Inventors: Gary G. Wild, John D. Eley
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Patent number: 5539672Abstract: A temperature control circuit which is capable of operating a microprocessor on a very low voltage source. The temperature control circuit uses a pair of field effect transistors and a zener diode in an oscillator circuit to amplify the source voltage. A microprocessor is supplied by the amplified source voltage, and is connected through a transistor to a temperature sensing portion of the circuit. The microprocessor uses the transistor to turn the power to the temperature sensing circuit portion off between temperature samples. By turning the temperature sensing circuit power off between samples, the average power drain by the control circuit is an amount that can be met by the amplified voltage from the low voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1993Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Hobart CorporationInventors: Paul S. Mullin, Raymond M. Lepore
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Patent number: 5518396Abstract: An oscillator (3) drives a controlled switch (6) of a converter (2) using a periodic pulse signal that alternately determines long closing times (T.sub.on) and short opening times (T.sub.off). During the closing times, the converter stores energy generated by a thermocouple (23) in the presence of a flame. During opening times, the conductor supplies energy at a higher value to remaining circuitry of the monitoring apparatus. The converter comprises an LED (9) to indicate the presence of the flame to be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1995Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Zeltron S.p.A.Inventors: Dario Muzzolini, Giancarlo Arrigoni
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Patent number: 5458294Abstract: An apparatus for accurately controlling gas fuel flow to a combustion device is provided to control gas flow to a burner of the combustion device. A variable orifice solenoid operated valve serves as a control element. The valve includes a poppet having a fixed control surface at an end received in an insert element having a variable control surface. The poppet has a plurality of positions within the insert element, including a full open position and a full closed position. Maximum fuel flow is measured in the full open position and minimum fuel flow is measured in the full closed position. Intermediate partially open positions are adjustable by a signal of an electronic controller connected to the solenoid valve operating as a function of actual and desired temperature of the combustion device.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: G & L Development, Inc.Inventors: Justin J. Zachary, Larry J. Honn, Gerry C. Wolter
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Patent number: 5439374Abstract: A circuit for producing signals representative of at least two flame current levels is disclosed herein. The circuit includes two electrodes locatable in a flame, where a voltage potential is set up between the electrodes, and the current flow is measured therebetween (flame current). The circuit includes an amplifying portion for amplifying the flame current and applying a signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor samples the signal and outputs a signal representative of the flame current level.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: Johnson Service CompanyInventor: J. Scott Jamieson
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Patent number: 5425353Abstract: A cooking hob comprising at least one gas burner 17, 18, 19 disposed beneath a glass top 25, said burner including a heat resistant rod 46 extending across at least part of the burner 17, 18, 19 and a thermocouple element 47 connected to the rod 46 for sensing the temperature of the glass 25 (FIG. 1).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Pompe Developments Limited (In Liquidation)Inventor: Eric D. Herbert
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Patent number: 5403183Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Inventors: Sven-Erik Andersson, Sven U. Erixon, Stig H. Farndahl
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Patent number: 5397233Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the flow of gas for artificial logs. The apparatus includes a main gas burner and a pilot as well as a gas valve which controls the flow of gas to the main burner and to the pilot. The pilot includes a oxygen depletion sensor. A thermal responsive electrical generator is adjacent to the pilot and is connected to the valve. The output voltage of the generator is at least 250 millivolts so as to operate the gas valve, which is capable of full automatic operation without the use of an additional electrical source. In addition, the thermal responsive electrical generator is positioned with respect to the pilot so that gas from the pilot will not continue to burn about the generator when the oxygen depletion sensor senses a predetermined low level of oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Appalachian Stove & Fabricators, Inc.Inventors: Barry Eavenson, James S. Rice
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Patent number: 5393222Abstract: A thermoelectric sensor assembly 1 for use with a flamestrip 9 in a fuel gas burner. The sensor assembly may be in the form of a probe 2 having temperature sensors 5a,b,c,d downstream of the flamestrip 9 in and adjacent the flame region, and temperature sensors 6a,b,c upstream of the flamestrip. A voltage output signal from the sensor assembly is used as an indication of the aeration of the flame and/or of flame establishment and/or flame failure and/or flame lightback.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1992Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: British Gas PLCInventor: David M. Sutton
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Patent number: 5391074Abstract: A gas and solid fuel burning chamber is provided with a control system for the safe and efficient operation of a gas burner. The simple control system uses multiple thermocouples in series to permit the safe operation of the gas burner in a vented device without the need for a draft hood. A combination of gas and solid fuel is demonstrated where gas can be used to start the solid or as an independent source of heat. The control system comprises generally of thermocouples for measuring the flame temperature, the combusted gas temperature and the overall chamber internal temperature and producing signals to regulate the flow of fuel to the gas burner in response thereto.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1994Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Inventor: John Meeker
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Patent number: 5302113Abstract: A method for installing thermocouples on flare burner tip pilot assemblies from grade without discontinuing operation of the flare, comprising modifying the pilot assembly thermowell to accept a fitting, attaching a section of tubing and running to grade to act as a sleeve for a thermocouple and sliding a predetermined length of thermocouple into the sleeve at grade to the burner tip assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1993Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Assignee: The Dow Chemical CompanyInventors: Norman D. Eichelberger, Troy W. Vannatta
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Patent number: 5240406Abstract: In a gas heater, a ceramic heater is used to ignite gas supplied to a gas burner. The ceramic heater is disposed in flame while the gas is burnt such that a change in the resistance value of the ceramic heater is sensed by a resistance value sensor to detect a flame extinction. Since the resistance value is varied between ceramic heaters, the deviation of the resistance value is compensated for depending on a reference value at a reference temperature of the ceramic heater so as to detect the flame extinction.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1991Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Inventor: Ichiro Kanesaka
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Patent number: 5181846Abstract: A safety apparatus for use with a gas burner having a thermoelectrically activated on-off safety valve for controlling gas flow to the burner, a governor for maintaining constant gas pressure to the burner, a gas channel interconnecting safety valve and governor, and a thermocouple for generating a thermoelectromotive force in the presence of a flame to electrically maintain the safety valve in an open position, is disclosed. The safety apparatus includes a gas pressure operator for sensing a predetermined excessive pressure within the gas channel and which initiates a shut-off of the gas supply to the burner upon sensing the high pressure gas in the channel. A connecting device is electrically connected to a solenoid in the safety valve for controlling the on/off position of the safety valve and is electrically connected to the thermocouple.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1991Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ui Y. Chang
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Patent number: 5165884Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for establishing and controlling the stability and movement of a reaction wave of reacting gases in a matrix of solid heat-resistant matter. At least a portion of the bed is initially preheated above the autoignition temperature of the mixture whereby the mixture reacts upon being introduced into the matrix thereby initiating a self-sustaining reaction wave, after which, the pre-heating can be terminated. The stability and movement of the wave within the matrix is maintained by monitoring the temperatures along the flowpath of the gases through the bed and adjusting the flow of the gases and/or vapors or air to maintain and stabilize the wave in the bed. The method and apparatus provide for the reaction or combustion of gases to minimize NO.sub.x and undesired products of incomplete combustion.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1991Date of Patent: November 24, 1992Assignee: Thermatrix, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Martin, John D. Stilger, Mark R. Holst
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Patent number: 5051089Abstract: A combination pilot burner and generator including a pilot burner head for deflecting a pilot flame in a given direction. The proper location of the generator for optimum flame sensing is assured by securing the generator to the pilot burner head by welding or other securement.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1991Date of Patent: September 24, 1991Assignee: Honeywell Inc.Inventor: M. R. Jayaram
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Patent number: 5039300Abstract: A pilot burner construction and method of making the same are provided, the pilot burner construction comprising a mounting section, a mixer tube section, a flame shield section and a sensing bulb holding section, the pilot burner construction having structure interconnecting all of the sections together to provide a self-contained pilot burner construction, the pilot burner construction comprising two one-piece homogeneous parts secured together to define the mixer tube section therebetween and to define the structure that interconnects the sections together, the two parts also defining the mounting section, the flame shield section and the sensing bulb holding section.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1990Date of Patent: August 13, 1991Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventor: Fred Riehl
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Patent number: 4984981Abstract: A flame powered logic supply circuit (60) responds to a pilot flame (39b) and supplies electrical energy to power electronic logic circuitry (62) for a heater, such as a hot water heater (1), a furnace, or the like. A thermoelectric element (64) responds to the flame and outputs electrical current which is stored in an inductor (70). A pair of parallel circuit branches (78 and 80) are connected to the thermoelectric element (64) and the inductor (70). The first branch (78) has a semiconductor switch (82) with an on state during which current flow supplies energy to the inductor (70) which is stored therein. The second circuit branch (80) has a second energy storage component provided by a battery (90) which receives the stored energy from the inductor (70) during an off state of the semiconductor switch (82) to charge the battery (90) and maintain a given power rating thereof for powering electronic logic circuitry (62) of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1989Date of Patent: January 15, 1991Assignee: A. O. Smith CorporationInventor: Joseph R. Pottebaum
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Patent number: 4975043Abstract: A control device for supplying fuel to a burner means, a system therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the device comprising a housing having an inlet for being interconnected to a source of fuel and having an outlet for being interconnected to the burner, first and second control valves carried by the housing and being in series to connect the inlet to the outlet only when both of the control valves are in an open condition thereof, each control valve comprising a movable valve member resiliently biased closed and an independent electromagnetic valve member latching unit energizable to hold its respective valve member open and deenergizable to allow its respective valve member to close, each control valve having a movable member to open its respective valve member to a latching position so as to be held open by its respective latching unit when its respective latching unit is energized, and a single manually movable actuator carried by the housing and having structure operatively interconnectiType: GrantFiled: August 11, 1989Date of Patent: December 4, 1990Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventors: Jay R. Katchka, George A. Yeaman, Richard W. McKinney
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Patent number: 4940406Abstract: An improved incomplete combustion preventing gas burner is disclosed, the improvement comprising: a venturi having a narrow passage and installed downstream of a mixing room in such a manner that the mixed combustible gas from the mixing room should be spouted with a high velocity through the flame holes, and a V shaped guide portion provided on the mixed combustible gas path leading from the mixing room to the flame holes. Thus, if an unstable mixing ratio occurs in the mixing room to cause an incomplete combustion, a lifting phenomenon for the flame is induced through the utilization of the high velocity of the mixed combustible gas, so that the thermal interaction between the flame 5 and the thermo-electric couple 7 should be halted, and that the combustible gas supply should be blocked, thereby extinguishing the flame.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1989Date of Patent: July 10, 1990Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Heu-Tae Kee