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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A piezoelectric high voltage impact mechanism is actuated electrically. The impact results from momentary actuation of a wire coil mounted in a magnetic frame. The force on the armature or hammer with electric power connected causes virtual closure of the magnetic circuit as the hammer strikes the adjacent end means of the piezoelectric element means. The resulting stress wave generates a high voltage transient which may be used to ignite gas appliances. The housing for piezoelectric element means is fastened to the magnetic frame. The coil is actuated from a relatively low voltage a-c or d-c power source. When the electric power source is disconnected from the coil the hammer or armature is returned to its initial position by a return spring or the force of gravity.