Abstract: A pressure regulator having a housing that defines a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a reference pressure connector. A diaphragm is provided in the housing, where the diaphragm defines, at least in part, a reference pressure chamber. In some illustrative embodiments, the reference pressure connector fluidly references the reference pressure chamber to a first pressure via a first orifice, and to a second pressure via a second bleed orifice. A gas valve incorporating a pressure regulator is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve assembly having a dual armature solenoid for controlling two valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the solenoid may include a first pole piece, a second pole piece spaced from the first pole piece, a coil disposed about at least a portion of the first pole piece, a first armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece, and a second armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece. In one illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the second pole piece. In another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the first pole piece. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to opposite pole pieces. In any case, the coil may electromagnetically actuate the first and second armatures to selectively open and/or close corresponding valves or other actuatable components.

Abstract: A pressure regulator having a housing that defines a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a reference pressure connector. A diaphragm is provided in the housing, where the diaphragm defines, at least in part, a reference pressure chamber. In some illustrative embodiments, the reference pressure connector fluidly references the reference pressure chamber to a first pressure via a first orifice, and to a second pressure via a second bleed orifice. A gas valve incorporating a pressure regulator is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve assembly having a dual armature solenoid for controlling two valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the solenoid may include a first pole piece, a second pole piece spaced from the first pole piece, a coil disposed about at least a portion of the first pole piece, a first armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece, and a second armature extending laterally across the first pole piece and the second pole piece. In one illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the second pole piece. In another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to the first pole piece. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the first armature and the second armature pivot relative to opposite pole pieces. In any case, the coil may electromagnetically actuate the first and second armatures to selectively open and/or close corresponding valves or other actuatable components.

Abstract: A fireplace appliance for warming room air without line electrical connection has a high efficiency thermoelectric generator having a heat-rejecting surface connected to a heat sink. The generator has a heat-receiving surface facing the site where a fireplace flame is to be located. In one embodiment the generator provides power to operate a fan that forces air through an air duct. The air duct has an inlet port receiving a flow of room air, and an outlet port. The heat sink is placed in the air duct where airflow generated by the fan moves across and cools the heat sink. The air heated by the heat sink flows to the room through the outlet port. One suitable material for the thermoelectric generator is a Bi—Te semiconductor. A number of options are shown that allow fan operation to commence properly while the appliance begins a cold start.

Abstract: A burner controller for safe operation of a furnace has a an electromechanical latch for holding first and second fuel valves open responsive to an enable signal. The latch comprises an armature attached to the second valve and an electromagnet assembly attached to the first valve. When the electromagnet assembly receives the enable signal and the armature is attracted to the electromagnet assembly, the magnetic force opposes force of a spring urging the first and second valve simultaneously closed. When the enable signal is not present, the spring forces both valves into their closed position. An auxiliary valve in series flow arrangement with the second valve opposes flow of fuel passing through the second valve in certain situations.

Abstract: A convertible two-stage pressure regulator in which a main valve regulates fluid flow between an inlet and outlet in response to a control pressure produced by a servo regulator valve, the control pressure depending on outlet pressure and the force provided by a regulator spring to a diaphragm carrying a servo regulator valve closure element. Compression of the regulator spring is controlled by a solenoid armature in a plunger assembly which is selectively positionable by a selector knob to obtain higher or lower regulator spring force. Adjustable stops provide for individual adjustment of low and high outlet pressures for each of two pressure ranges. Substantially identical air gaps in the magnetic circuit of the solenoid are provided for both pressure ranges by a magnetic pole piece in the plunger assembly which extends beyond the solenoid coil in one direction and a solenoid armature which extends beyond the solenoid coil in the opposite direction.