Abstract: A gas valve (14) control system (10) uses a control signal (16) to enable a valve (14) and a validation signal (22) to validate the control signal (16). The system (10) includes a valve (14) connected to a burner (12). A receiver (18) is electrically connected to the valve (14) and provides the valve (14) with the control signal (16). A controller (20) has a control transmitter (24) in wireless communication with the receiver (18) to transmit the control signal (16) to the receiver (18) at a speed of light. The controller (20) further includes a validation transmitter (26) to transmit a validation signal (22) to the receiver (18) at a speed of sound. The valve (14) is enabled by the control signal (16) if a time delay between the receiver (18) receiving the control signal (16) and the validation signal (22) is shorter than a maximum delay period. The control signal (16) is discarded if the time delay is longer than the maximum delay period.

Abstract: A fluid regulator system includes at least one solenoid valve for interrupting flow of the fluid. The solenoid valve solenoid valve includes a plunger that is actuated by a solenoid, i.e., a coil. A plunger stop limits movement of the plunger when the solenoid is energized. A recess defined a top of the plunger. A plunger bumper assembly is disposed at least partially within the recess of the top of the plunger and at least partially between the top of the plunger and the plunger stop. The plunger bumper assembly includes a resilient component formed of a resilient material for dampening noise produced by a contact between the plunger bumper assembly and the plunger stop.

Abstract: A signal conditioner for use with a controller and a burner receives an input signal from the controller. A conversion circuit generates a primary output signal corresponding to the input signal to control the burner. The signal conditioner also includes a delay circuit. The delay circuit overrides the primary output signal generated by the conversion circuit and substitutes a delay signal to the burner at a predetermined level for a predetermined time. The signal conditioner may also include a temperature override circuit, which receives a temperature of air from the burner. If the temperature is above or below established limits, the temperature override circuit substitutes a temperature override signal to the burner.

Abstract: A fan modulated premix burner control system includes a regulating control valve for regulating the pressure of gas fed to a premix chamber. The pressure of the gas is based on the pressure of air also fed into the chamber to produce a constant air/fuel ratio. The system also includes an air restrictor for reducing the pressure of the air to permit operation of the burner at low fan speeds.

Abstract: A heater (12) includes a burner (16), a valve (20), and an inducer (18). A thermostat (24) is electrically coupled to the heater (12) and a control board (44) is disposed in the heater (12) and electrically connected to the thermostat (24). The control board (44) includes an inducer relay (50), a valve relay (52), and a control timer (54) for switching the valve (20) between a high flow stage and a low flow stage and the inducer (18) between a high speed stage and a low speed stage, respectively, wherein the inducer relay (50), the valve relay (52), and the control timer (54) are mounted to the control board (44) to define a singular and compact controller (30).

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a variable speed air handling fan for a vent hood includes a temperature sensor and a processor. Speed setpoints and a deadband range are received from a user by the processor. The processor computes deadband setpoints and receives a temperature from the temperature sensor. The processor is in communication with a motor controller for controlling the speed of the fan. The processor changes the speed of the fan when the temperature rises above a certain setpoint. However, the processor will not change the speed of the fan back to its previous speed until the temperature falls below the deadband setpoint that corresponds to the certain setpoint.

Abstract: A gas valve (14) control system (10) uses a control signal (16) to enable a valve (14) and a validation signal (22) to validate the control signal (16). The system (10) includes a valve (14) connected to a burner (12). A receiver (18) is electrically connected to the valve (14) and provides the valve (14) with the control signal (16). A controller (20) has a control transmitter (24) in wireless communication with the receiver (18) to transmit the control signal (16) to the receiver (18) at a speed of light. The controller (20) further includes a validation transmitter (26) to transmit a validation signal (22) to the receiver (18) at a speed of sound. The valve (14) is enabled by the control signal (16) if a time delay between the receiver (18) receiving the control signal (16) and the validation signal (22) is shorter than a maximum delay period. The control signal (16) is discarded if the time delay is longer than the maximum delay period.

Abstract: A gas valve (22) control system (10) for a heater includes a burner (26) and a valve (22) that has a high flow stage and a low flow stage. The valve (22) supplies fuel to the burner (26) in the high flow stage until the burner (26) is ignited. While operating in the high flow stage, an inducer (24) that supplies combustion air to the burner (26) operates in a high speed stage. The valve (22) and the inducer (24) are controlled by a controller (12). A timer (28) is used to coordinate the valve (22) and the inducer (24) such that after a predetermined amount of time, the valve (22) switches to a low flow stage and the inducer (24) switches to a low speed stage. This is to provide the burner (26) with more fuel and combustion air while igniting and to reduce condensation in the heater.

Abstract: A method of determining the amount of air flowing through an outside air damper of a recirculating air heater includes the steps of sensing an amount of airflow flowing through the damper, recording the amount of airflow and a damper position value at a plurality of damper positions, and interpolating a curve relating the amount of airflow to the damper position for all damper positions between a minimum damper position and a maximum damper position. Once the amount of air flowing through the outside air damper is determined from a position on the curve, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) within a building space can be calculated and/or determined to be within acceptable limits.

Abstract: An improved snap action valve construction is disclosed in which a compensator blade has deflection resisting ribs positioned along a weld line defined between an active blade and the compensator blade. Additionally, the compensator blade may have a recessed tab for securing a spring between the compensator blade and a snap blade. In one embodiment, the snap blade includes one or more longitudinal recesses to increase the deflection of the snap blade in the area of the recesses. In another embodiment, the snap blade has an arc-shaped rib surrounding a portion of a valve member opening. The arc-shaped rib resists flexing of the snap blade in the area of the opening.

Abstract: An improved snap action valve construction is disclosed in which stiffening ribs are provided on the snap blade in an area adjacent the valve member carried thereby to aid in resisting flexing of the blade in this area. Additionally, a rib may be provided on the snap blade to provide a pivotable line contact between the snap blade and associated valve member to ensure better sealing engagement with the valve seat. In one embodiment stiffening ribs are also provided on a compensator blade in the area of attachment to the active blade to provide increased resistance to flexing in this area due to heat transfer from the active blade. In another embodiment, the compensator blade is secured to the snap blade in spaced relationship to the active blade so as to limit heat transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A novel control circuit for heating and heating/cooling systems wherein in a heating mode the circuit controls a valve means comprising a main valve and a modulating valve through which gas is supplied to a burner. The main valve is a normally closed, solenoid-actuated type which opens when its coil is energized, and energization of its solenoid is controlled by a pair of normally open relay contacts connected in series. One of the contacts closes when the temperature in the space being heated drops below a preset temperature. The other contact remains closed so long as the temperature in the space being heated remains below a maximum limit. In a heating/cooling system the circuit is selectively operatively coupled with the valve means and a refrigeration unit. When heating is selected, the circuit operates as mentioned above. In cooling, a cooling solenoid of the refrigeration unit is energized when the temperature in the space being cooled rises above a preset temperature.