Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sensor probe kit that has an electrical connection that ensures a sensor probe has been properly positioned in a boiler well. In some embodiments, the sensor probe kit has a seating mechanism that positively positions a sensor probe at a predetermined position within a boiler well. In many instances, the seating mechanism provides tactile feedback to an installer when the sensor probe is properly positioned within the boiler well. These features can help ensure the sensor probe is properly installed, and helps keep the sensor probe electrically connected to the well at all times after installation.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a mobile power system. The system includes a first battery module including a number of rechargeable cells. A first battery module current limiter is configured to monitor a current flowing to or from the plurality of rechargeable cells of the first battery module. The battery module current limiter is further configured to selectively limit the current flowing to a non-zero current that is less than a predetermined current threshold, wherein the selectively limiting is based on whether the monitored current is approaching the predetermined current threshold.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a sensor probe kit that has an electrical connection that ensures a sensor probe has been properly positioned in a boiler well. In some embodiments, the sensor probe kit has a seating mechanism that positively positions a sensor probe at a predetermined position within a boiler well. In many instances, the seating mechanism provides tactile feedback to an installer when the sensor probe is properly positioned within the boiler well. These features can help ensure the sensor probe is properly installed, and helps keep the sensor probe electrically connected to the well at all times after installation.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a mobile power system. The system includes a first battery module including a number of rechargeable cells. A first battery module current limiter is configured to monitor a current flowing to or from the plurality of rechargeable cells of the first battery module. The battery module current limiter is further configured to selectively limit the current flowing to a non-zero current that is less than a predetermined current threshold, wherein the selectively limiting is based on whether the monitored current is approaching the predetermined current threshold.

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 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 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: 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 pressure proving gas valve insures safe and efficient operation of a fuel-burning appliance by monitoring combustion air pressure and appropriately controlling the valve based upon this air pressure. An air pressure sensor is incorporated into a pressure proving valve housing itself thus providing integrated solution for the control of the combustion process. Consequently, when heat is called for, no fuel is provided to the combustion chamber unless appropriate combustion air pressure is sensed. Further, by monitoring the actual air pressure, additional control capability is provided. That is, a variable speed blower associated with the combustion apparatus can be controlled to provide very precise fuel to air mixtures.

Abstract: A burner system for use in applications such as a gas fireplace insert has a main burner, a standing pilot burner, a burner control unit, and a fuel valve. In one embodiment, the fuel valve and burner control unit receive power from a power source such as a thermopile mounted to receive energy from the pilot burner. The burner control unit includes a switch controlling power to the fuel valve and a RF receiver. The RF receiver controls the opening and closing of the switch responsive to encoded RF signals transmitted to it by a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A flame rectification type flame sensor circuit and method in which a generator injects periodic pulses of alternating voltage into a flame region, the voltage across the flame region being processed by a filter/amplifier which, in proper operation, produces a non-zero output signal only during the time a flame is present and a pulse of alternating voltage is being supplied by the generator. Final indication of a flame is produced only if a non-zero output signal occurs during the time a pulse of alternating voltage is being supplied, and not during the time between successive pulses of alternating voltage. Failure of an electrical component in the filter/amplifier is indicated if a non-zero output signal occurs during the time between successive pulses of alternating voltage.

Abstract: A fuel valve and ignitor control system in which pull-in current for a fuel valve operating on rectified alternating current is supplied through a first normally open relay whose coil is connected in series with normally open contacts of a second relay and an intermittently operating hot surface ignitor. Normally closed contacts of the second relay are connected in series with the ignitor and the fuel valve through a holding resistor, whereby actuation of the second relay provides unrectified alternating current to the ignitor and actuates the first relay to provide pull-in current to the fuel valve, and whereby deactivation of the second relay provides holding current to the fuel valve through the ignitor.

Abstract: A liquid immersible electronic aquastat in which a temperature responsive element and substantially all associated electronic circuitry are arranged on a circuit board within a tubular capsule of liquid impervious material closed at one end and having a external diameter not exceeding 3/8ths of an inch so as to be interchangeable with industry standard aquastat temperature sensor mounting hardware and fittings.

Abstract: A sensor fault detector for detecting a missing or shorted environment condition sensor of a plurality of sensors includes a sensor circuit for supplying a concurrent output signal from each sensor, a reference voltage circuit for supplying a predetermined reference voltage, a plurality of comparators, each of the comparators concurrently comparing a repective one of the output signals with the reference signal to produce a corresponding comparator output signal representative of a predetermined relationship between the compared signals assure the presence of properly working and connected sensors and a monitoring circuit responsive to the concurrent effect of output signals from all of the comparators to produce a control signal representative of a concurrent properly working and connected state of all of the sensors.

Abstract: A control circuit for a fuel valve in a gas fired furnace controlled by an electronic thermostat is disclosed. The thermostat requires a load current to properly operate, and a pickup and hold circuit along with a time delay circuit are integrated to control a load current circuit to provide the correct load current for the thermostat.

Abstract: A self-energizing burner control system for a fuel burner is accomplished by heat from a pilot flame energizing a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator supplies power to an oscillator. The oscillator has an output that is stepped up in voltage level and is converted to a regulated direct current potential. The regulated direct current potential in turn is used to operate a solid state temperature control or controller. This controller has a sampling rate that is visually indicated by a light emitting diode when a proper voltage is present. The system further insures that a temperature sensor is in place, and is functioning properly.

Abstract: An ultra low voltage energized oscillator for providing a stepped-up alternating current voltage is provided. This oscillator utilizes a field effect transistor with a high impedance network including a capacitor coupling a feedback signal from a secondary output winding to a primary input winding of a transformer.

Abstract: A self-energizing burner control system for a fuel burner is accomplished by heat from a standing pilot energizing a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator supplies power to an oscillator. The oscillator has an output that is stepped up in voltage level and converted to a regulated direct current potential. The regulated direct current potential in turn is then used to operate a solid state temperature control or controller. The controller in turn responds to a temperature at a thermistor to control a field effect transistor and series connected solenoid of a fuel valve.

Abstract: An ignition control device that utilizes a very sensitive flame rectification signal responsive circuit is disclosed. A printed wiring board arrangement is utilized with a careful arrangement of the conductive areas on the printed wiring board to substantially eliminate leakage paths that can provide a false indication of the presence of flame when none in fact is present.