Abstract: An electronic ignition device for a gas grill is disclosed. The ignition device comprises a housing having a recess therein for the receipt of the battery and a cap with a rotatable clip therein to hold the old battery during the removal process from the recess and to hold the new battery during the insertion process into the recess. The clip and battery remain substantially stationary within the housing of the electronic ignition device as the cap is threadably received thereon. The terminals on the battery engage electrical contacts within the housing of the electronic ignition device after the battery has been inserted therein. An O-ring is provided between the cap and the housing to provide a seal therebetween protecting the electronic ignition device from the outside environment.

Abstract: An electrode assembly having a structure which minimizes stress cracks within its outer housing is disclosed. The outer housing is comprised of a ceramic tube having a bore therethrough which is coated with an epoxy material. An insulated electrical conductor with the wires contained therein in an exposed condition adjacent the end thereof is received in one end of the tube and is slidably advanced within the bore to the approximate midpoint of the tube. An electrode member is received in the opposite end of the tube and is slidably advanced within the bore so that its end contacts the exposed wires of the electrical conductor causing the ends of the wires to flare outwardly and grippingly engage the surface defining the bore in the tube. Subsequent heating of the electrode assembly causes the epoxy within the bore of the tube to bind the tube to the electrode member, the exposed wires and the insulated portion of the electrical conductor resulting in a solid, unitary construction for the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A controller which controls the operation of the solenoid valve that regulates the flow of gas to the burner within a fuel-gas fired burner system is disclosed. The controller performs a number of diagnostic tests on the system components and provides an output in the form of a series of pulses having a specific code"embedded" therein to identify a fault condition when it occurs. The series of pulses is applied to a light emitting diode. A code reading device having an optical sensor and a liquid crystal display is provided to intercept the light pulses emitted by the light emitting diode and to"translate" the code embedded therein so that the specific fault condition can be identified and displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A gas collector electrode assembly that is movable within the collector box is disclosed. The electrode assembly includes a first diameter portion which is receivable within the collector box while a second diameter portion thereof is receivable through an aperture provided in the bottom wall of the collector box permitting a circumferential shoulder provided at the juncture of the first diameter portion and the second diameter portion to engage the inner surface defining the bottom wall of the collector box. A coil spring is receivable over the second diameter portion of the electrode assembly and one end thereof contacts the bottom wall of the collector box and the other end thereof is receivable within a circumferential groove provided on the second diameter portion of the electrode assembly causing the electrode assembly to be "spring mounted" within the collector box permitting radial and longitudinal movement thereof within the collector box.

Abstract: Gas control apparatus to regulate the flow of gas to a plurality of burners is disclosed. The apparatus permits a main gas solenoid valve to be actuated for a pre-determined period of time allowing the burners to be ignited. If the burners are not ignited within the pre-determined period of time, the main gas solenoid valve is deactuated. Even though a main gas solenoid valve is utilized, each burner can be separately ignited by means of a start signal applied thereto. After ignition, the main gas solenoid valve will remain actuated only if a flame is present at the ignited burner and a start signal is applied to the remaining burners.

Abstract: Gas control apparatus to regulate the flow of gas to a plurality of burners is disclosed. The apparatus permits a main gas solenoid valve to be actuated for a pre-determined period of time allowing the burners to be ignited. If the burners are not ignited within the pre-determined period of time, the main gas solenoid valve is deactuated. Even though a main gas solenoid valve is utilized, each burner can be separately ignited by means of a start signal applied thereto. After ignition, the main gas solenoid valve will remain actuated only if a flame is present at the ignited burner and a start signal is applied to the remaining burners.

Abstract: An integrally molded housing having outwardly directed, spaced-apart arms thereon for mounting within or attachment to a panel is disclosed. The arms are located on the body portion of the housing such that a distance slightly less than the thickness of the panel in which the housing is to be received exists between the end of each arm and a circumferential flanged surface on the housing. As the housing is being received through the panel, the arms are deflected inwardly and then spring outwardly causing a surface on the end of each arm to engage a surface on a complementary keyway in the panel. Another surface is provided on the end of each arm to prevent the disengagement of the arm from the surface surrounding its adjacent complementary keyway upon longitudinal movement of the housing toward the panel. The housing can be readily removed from the panel by the application of inwardly directed pressure on the arms.

Abstract: Gas control apparatus to regulate the flow of gas to a plurality of burners is disclosed. The apparatus permits a main gas solenoid valve to be actuated for a pre-determined period of time allowing the burners to be ignited. If the burners are not ignited within the pre-determined period of time, the main gas solenoid valve is deactuated. Even though a main gas solenoid valve is utilized, each burner can be separately ignited by means of a start signal applied thereto. After ignition, the main gas solenoid valve will remain actuated only if a flame is present at the ignited burner and a start signal is applied to the remaining burners.

Abstract: A spark ignition system for a heater-type ignitor is disclosed. Current through the ignitor is transformed into a voltage which is utilized to operate a timing circuit which, in turn, causes operation of a valve permitting the flow of fuel to a burner. Operation of the valve can occur only after the expiration of a predetermined period of time during which the voltage applied to the ignitor and the current passing therethrough are continuously monitored thus ensuring that the ignitor has reached the ignition temperature of the fuel before the valve is permitted to open.

Abstract: A spark ignition system for a heater-type ignitor is disclosed. Current through the ignitor is transformed into a voltage which is utilized to operate a timing circuit which, in turn, causes operation of a valve permitting the flow of fuel to a burner. Operation of the valve can occur only after the expiration of a predetermined period of time and the presence of a predetermined minimum voltage to the ignitor thus ensuring that the ignitor has reached the ignition temperature of the fuel before the valve is permitted to open.

Abstract: A gas collector electrode assembly that can be easily assembled and/or disassembled is disclosed. The bottom wall of the gas collector includes two apertures connected by an elongated slot. The first aperture is sized to receive the end of the spark electrode assembly and the second aperture is sized to grippingly engage a circumferential groove on the spark electrode assembly adjacent its end. A tab portion is provided in the bottom wall of the gas collector adjacent the second aperture therein. By inserting the end of the spark electrode assembly into the first aperture and then by depressing the tab portion while laterally moving the spark electrode assembly into the second aperture, the tab portion can then spring back to its original position and grippingly engage the spark electrode assembly firmly attaching same to the gas collector.

Abstract: An improved electrical circuit for controlling the operation of a gas solenoid valve which regulates the flow of gas to a burner. Field effect transistors, whose operation is controlled by a flame rectification circuit and/or a timing circuit, directly control the operation of a relay which, in turn, operates the gas solenoid valve, thus eliminating the need for much more complicated circuitry to effect actuation of the gas solenoid valve.

Abstract: A new and improved piezoelectric high voltage impact mechanism uses an actuator with slanted internal walls to tilt a straight actuating spring. The spring constrains a hammer so that the hammer is held on a ledge in the body as actuation is initiated. Energy is stored in the spring during actuation and the actuator pushes the hammer off the ledge, initiating the impact. Component parts and assembly are simplified compared with prior art devices.

Abstract: New and improved high voltage piezoelectric mechanisms are provided wherein the piezoelectric element is essentially coated or encapsulated in an insulating material which is sticky to the touch and relatively viscous. Useful materials include unhardened adhesive resins. Marked improvement in operating life and high temperature operation are obtained, and piezoelectric ceramic elements need not have load surfaces so flat that lapping is necessary.