Abstract: An improved heater and method of controlling the same is provided. The water heater has the combination of a tank for holding water, a heater for heating the water, a controller having logic to regulate the heater, and first and second sensors. Each of the sensors detects the water temperature at different areas within the water heater. The sensors also provide the controller with signals corresponding to the detected water temperature. In response to these signals, the controller regulates the heater when at least one of the signals of the first and second sensors satisfies at least one predetermined state condition.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the invention includes a power converter for converting a thermally generated voltage where the power converter includes a low-voltage direct current to direct current voltage converter (DC-DC converter) and a high-efficiency DC-DC converter coupled with the low-voltage DC-DC converter. The system also includes a charge storage circuit coupled with the low-voltage DC-DC converter and the high-efficiency DC-DC converter for storing converted electrical energy and a programmable controller circuit. The programmable controller circuit is coupled with the high-efficiency DC-DC converter, the low-voltage DC-DC converter, and the charge storage circuit such that the controller circuit substantially controls operation of the system when the voltage potential of the converted electrical energy stored by the charge storage circuit is greater than a brown out voltage of the controller.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the invention includes a thermo-electric device that is physically proximate with a thermal energy source, where, in operation, the thermo-electric device generates a voltage potential. The system further includes a power conversion circuit connected with the thermo-electric device, to modify the generated voltage potential. Also included in the system is a controller circuit connected with the power conversion circuit, where the thermo-electric device powers the controller circuit via the power conversion circuit. The system additionally includes a valve-control circuit connected with the controller circuit and the power conversion circuit, such that the thermo-electric device powers the valve control circuit, at least in part, via the power conversion circuit. The system also includes one or more sensing devices connected with the controller circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of monitoring the operation of a stepper motor used to control the main burner valve of a gas appliance by positioning a linear actuator. The gas appliance has a pilot burner. A thermopile thermally coupled to said pilot burner produces an electrical output which powers the stepper motor and a control microprocessor. The control microprocessor monitors the waveforms of potential induced by rotational motion into the unenergized stator coils of the stepper motor. By analyzing the waveforms, the microprocessor can monitor the start time, stop time, direction of the rotational motion, and maximum length of travel of the linear actuator.

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: An apparatus for and method of monitoring the operation of a stepper motor used to control the main burner valve of a gas appliance by positioning a linear actuator. The gas appliance has a pilot burner. A thermopile thermally coupled to said pilot burner produces an electrical output which powers the stepper motor and a control microprocessor. The control microprocessor monitors the waveforms of potential induced by rotational motion into the unenergized stator coils of the stepper motor. By analyzing the waveforms, the microprocessor can monitor the start time, stop time, direction of the rotational motion, and maximum length of travel of the linear actuator.

Abstract: 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.