Abstract: A system is presented for an improved igniter and an igniter bobbin for a high voltage burner igniter that reduces parts count and simplifies assembly of the igniter used in fuel based burners for boilers, forced air furnaces and water heaters. In one aspect of the invention, the igniter bobbin of the present invention comprises two high voltage insulators and a coil bobbin of a high voltage transformer molded or otherwise integrated together into a single monolithic structure. In another aspect, the igniter bobbin may be molded from an insulative material to form the single monolithic structure that insulates the high voltage electrodes which are inserted within the high voltage insulators portion of the structure, and to insulate the primary and secondary coils that are wound onto the coil bobbin portion of the structure.

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

Abstract: A system and method is presented for providing failsafe control in a control system used for receiving and controlling various object or medium properties in a heating, ventilating or air conditioning system. The control system comprises an HVAC controller, configured to receive failsafe data indicative of a safety related property of an object or medium, and to generate a state indicative of a connection status of a failsafe detector with respect to the HVAC controller. The control system further comprises a non-volatile memory, operably coupled to the HVAC controller and configured to store a connection indication indicative of a connection status of the failsafe detector with respect to the HVAC controller, wherein the HVAC controller is configured to generate a control signal based on satisfaction of a predetermined relationship between the generated state and the stored connection indication.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a multi-sensor component for an HVAC system. The multi-sensor component comprises a sensor assembly, having a temperature detector for measuring a temperature of an object or medium, a presence detector to detect the presence of the object or medium against the sensor, and a pressure detector for measuring a pressure of the medium. The temperature, presence and pressure detectors may also be affixed within a single sensor housing. In a heating mode the multi-sensor component is heated by a heater, and in a cooling mode the multi-sensor component cools toward a temperature of the object or medium, and the temperature detector provides temperature data indicative of a temperature response comprising one of a temperature change, a rate of change and a time constant of a thermal decay rate of the multi-sensor component and the presence of the object or medium.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method for temperature regulation of a medium to be circulated through a plurality of zones of a facility. In this method, a call for heat is received. The method identifies a zone within the plurality of zones from which the call for heat originated. The medium is then heated to a first temperature range if the identified zone is a first zone within the facility and is heated to a second temperature range if the identified zone is a second zone within the facility. The first and second temperature ranges differ from one another. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a boiler controller for a boiler system. The boiler controller comprises a sensor monitoring component, operably coupled to a temperature detector operable to measure a temperature of a medium within the boiler, and a pressure detector operable to measure a pressure of the medium. The boiler controller also comprises a burner controller coupled to a burner. The burner controller is operable to control the burner to heat the boiler based upon at least one of the temperature of the medium measured by the temperature detector compared to a range of temperature setpoints, results of an energy efficiency calculation, a presence of the medium, and the pressure of the medium.

Abstract: A system and method is presented for a fail-safe sensor for an HVAC system. The sensor comprises a temperature detector operable to measure a temperature of a component or a medium present at the sensor, a PTC heater operable to heat the sensor to a self-regulating temperature, the heater comprising a resistive element having an electrical impedance which increases with increasing temperature in accordance with a positive temperature coefficient characteristic, and a sensor housing comprising the PTC heater and the temperature detector provided within a single housing. An algorithm is provided for HVAC systems, wherein the sensor is heated to the self-regulating temperature by the PTC heater and is then measured by the temperature detector to confirm that the temperature detector is operating properly. Further, the sensor may be allowed to cool to a temperature of the surrounding medium or the component for sensing the temperature thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil burner system having an electric cord set coupled between a controller and a valve associated with a pump. The electric cord set is operable to activate a solenoid valve associated with the pump for delivery of fuel oil to a nozzle of the burner. The electric cord set comprises a voltage or temperature independent timer circuit operable to activate the solenoid valve a predetermined period of time after a call for ignition signal is generated by the controller, wherein the predetermined time period is substantially constant with respect to variations in line voltage or in an ambient temperature in which the oil burner system resides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil burner system having an electric cord set coupled between a controller and a valve associated with a pump. The electric cord set is operable to activate a solenoid valve associated with the pump for delivery of fuel oil to a nozzle of the burner. The electric cord set comprises a voltage or temperature independent timer circuit operable to activate the solenoid valve a predetermined period of time after a call for ignition signal is generated by the controller, wherein the predetermined time period is substantially constant with respect to variations in line voltage or in an ambient temperature in which the oil burner system resides.

Abstract: This invention concerns a boiler fitted with a burner suitable for wall heaters or built-in kitchen heaters in which a mantle-shaped heat exchanger made of pipe elements connected in parallel and/or series divides the boiler chamber into a combustion chamber and an exhaust chamber. The heat exchanger has openings for hot flue gases distributed over its mantle. The burner head disposed in the combustion chamber is suitable for burning oil and has a flame tube with an axial flame opening and a flame baffle element disposed at a distance from the flame opening which is constructed so that the flame is diverted into the space between the flame tube and the heat exchanger. In addition, a fire chamber mantle can be disposed between the heat exchanger and the flame tube to protect the heat exchanger from direct contact with the flame.

Abstract: A fluid fitting is provided for connecting two members transmitting a high pressure fluid. The fitting includes an elongated tubular stem, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. A hydraulic seal may be effected by an interference fit between the second connecting member and the stem. The first connecting member may be a flare nut. The second connecting member may be a plug fitting. The fluid fitting preferably provides a connection between a fuel oil valve and an oil burner nozzle. The valve may be rigidly mounted to the burner nozzle without the use of additional mounting hardware and within a small space adjacent to the burner.

Abstract: A burner includes a motor driven blower, an air tube having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion, a housing forming an air flow path between the blower and the air tube, a nozzle for spraying liquid fuel or orifice for dispersing gas toward the outlet end portion of the air tube and a conduit for feeding the fuel to the nozzle or orifice. An air flow control device and method enable air flow and pressure to be regulated at locations near the nozzle and between the blower and the nozzle. A contour of a throttle member of the burner is designed so as to achieve a prescribed pressure in a region between the throttle member and head of the burner over the range of the burner.

Abstract: A burner includes a motor driven blower, an air tube having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion, a housing forming an air flow path between the blower and the air tube, a nozzle for spraying liquid fuel or orifice for dispersing gas toward the outlet end portion of the air tube and a conduit for feeding the fuel to the nozzle or orifice. An air flow control device and method enable air flow and pressure to be regulated at locations near the nozzle and between the blower and the nozzle.

Abstract: A gun-type oil burner is disclosed having a motor axially aligned with a fuel pump and a blower at opposite ends. The blower draws air into the burner, the amount of which is controlled by an adjustable air gate. The blower inlet is covered by a removable, protective air scoop. Upon removal of the air scoop, an outside air boot is easily connected to the burner without burner modification. The air in the burner travels along a serpentine path which contains smooth curves and perimetrally disposed protrusions for reducing the velocity of the air flow and maintaining its static pressure. The air flows through an air tube in a helical pattern, mixes with oil and is ignited at the air tube outlet. A fuel nozzle, ignitors and a fuel supply conduit are supported as a burner sub-assembly within the tube by a spider. A preselected stop of a number of removable stops of differing sizes is located on the spider and properly positions the burner sub-assembly within the air tube.

Abstract: A float switch for providing a switching path for a high level electric current in response to a fluid level. A buoyant float housing includes a pair of conductors through the housing which are adapted to receive a potential difference. A high current solid state switching device in the housing provides a current path between the conductors inside the housing. The solid state switching device is mounted to a heat sink cup exposed through an opening in the float housing to the fluid level. A wide angle mercury switch is provided to trigger the solid state switching device in response to a change in the float housing orientation.

Abstract: An improved automatic inlet damper is disclosed which is particularly suited for use in oil burners. A flexible coupling (16-44) is connected between rotating shafts (10, 12) and supports an automatically actuated closure (64) which is moved into and out of engagement with an aperture (14) by a centrifugally actuated linkage (46-62, 78-110). See FIG. 1.

Abstract: A power gas burner of the gun type. The burner embodies an air tube that is mounted on the appliance with which the burner is to be used. Primary and secondary air is supplied to the air tube by a blower of the turbo-compressor type that is driven by a motor through an adjustable speed drive. Fuel gas is supplied to the air tube through an eductor tube. Gas is supplied to the eductor at regulated pressure through a metering orifice. The discharge end of the eductor is open and is located on the axis of the air tube and in the throat of a venturi that is also mounted on the axis of the air tube. Air supplied by the blower flows at high velocity through the throat of the venturi on the exterior of the eductor, resulting in a reduction in pressure in the venturi at the discharge end of the eductor. This primary air is mixed in the venturi with gas discharged from the eductor.