Abstract: A variable flow valve is provided. The variable flow valve includes a housing, an actuator, a biasing agent, positioning coils, and a locking coil. The housing defines a bore, an inlet, and an outlet. The actuator is moveably disposed within the bore and configured to selectively obstruct and expose the outlet. The biasing agent is disposed within the bore. The biasing agent is also interposed between the housing and the actuator to bias the actuator toward the outlet. The positioning coils are disposed about the housing and operable to drive the biasing agent to a retracted position. The locking coil is disposed about the housing proximate the biasing agent. The locking coil is operable to capture the biasing agent in the retracted position. As such, the positioning coils are thereafter able to move the actuator free of the bias from the biasing agent.

Abstract: An electronic gas control apparatus including a variable flow valve, an igniter, a flame sensor, and an electronic controller is provided. The valve has a flow range that equals or exceeds a required flow range for any one of the types of gas suitably combusted by the burner. The electronic controller is operably coupled to each of the valve, the igniter, and the sensor. The electronic controller is configured to activate the igniter, to receive a flame status signal from the sensor, and to recognize a position of the valve when the flame status signal indicates a flame at the burner. As such, the electronic controller is calibrated for the gas, line-pressure, jet and burner configuration being used.

Abstract: A variable flow valve is provided. The variable flow valve includes a housing, an actuator, a biasing agent, positioning coils, and a locking coil. The housing defines a bore, an inlet, and an outlet. The actuator is moveably disposed within the bore and configured to selectively obstruct and expose the outlet. The biasing agent is disposed within the bore. The biasing agent is also interposed between the housing and the actuator to bias the actuator toward the outlet. The positioning coils are disposed about the housing and operable to drive the biasing agent to a retracted position. The locking coil is disposed about the housing proximate the biasing agent. The locking coil is operable to capture the biasing agent in the retracted position. As such, the positioning coils are thereafter able to move the actuator free of the bias from the biasing agent.