Abstract: Partially-premixed gas burner appliance (10), comprising a combustion chamber (11), a fan (17) and a gas modulator (20). The fan (17) is configured to provide an air flow to the combustion chamber (11) and is assigned to an air inlet port (11A) of the combustion chamber or to an air duct (18) configured to provide the air to the air inlet port. An air flow restriction element (19) is assigned to the air inlet port (11A) or to the air duct (18). The air flow restriction element (19) is configured to provide a pressure drop so that the pressure downstream of the air flow restriction element (19) is lower than the pressure upstream of the same. The gas modulator (20) is configured to provide a gas flow to the combustion chamber (11), wherein a first portion of the air provided by the fan (17) is premixed with the gas flow before the gas is combusted, and wherein a second portion of the air provided by the fan (17) is mixed with the gas while the gas is combusted.

Abstract: A system for controlling activity in a combustion chamber. The system does not necessarily need to be mechanically adjusted and yet may provide precise control of a fuel air mixture ratio. A sensing module of the system may have a mass flow sensor that relates to air flow and another sensor that relates to fuel flow. Neither sensor may need contact with fuel. Fuel and air to the system may be controlled. Pressure of the fuel and/or air may be regulated. The sensors may provide signals to a processor to indicate a state of the fuel and air in the system. The processor, with reliance on a programmed curve, table or the like, often based on data, in a storage memory, may regulate the flow or pressure of the fuel and air in a parallel fashion to provide an appropriate fuel-air mixture to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A system for controlling activity in a combustion chamber. The system does not necessarily need to be mechanically adjusted and yet may provide precise control of a fuel air mixture ratio. A sensing module of the system may have a mass flow sensor that relates to air flow and another sensor that relates to fuel flow. Neither sensor may need contact with fuel. Fuel and air to the system may be controlled. Pressure of the fuel and/or air may be regulated. The sensors may provide signals to a processor to indicate a state of the fuel and air in the system. The processor, with reliance on a programmed curve, table or the like, often based on data, in a storage memory, may regulate the flow or pressure of the fuel and air in a parallel fashion to provide an appropriate fuel-air mixture to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Modulating gas valves and systems for modulating gas flow to gas-fired appliances are disclosed. An illustrative modulating gas valve can include at least one main valve adapted to regulate the flow of gas through a main gas conduit, at least one regulator for regulating the gas pressure outputted by each main valve between a first gas pressure and a second gas pressure, and a modulator adapted to variably modulate the gas outputted by the gas valve at a pressure between the first and second gas pressures. The modulator can be used to modulate the main gas valve or valves between an infinite or discrete number of positions.

Abstract: An energy savings water heater is described. The water heater is controlled by an energy savings algorithm that uses one or more of a variable setpoint differential, a variable setback threshold, additional setback thresholds, and an adjustable minimal setpoint to improve the operation of an energy efficient water heater. Additionally or alternatively, a different setback control algorithm may be used that obtains additional data to adjust the setpoint. As a result, the operating cost of the water heater is reduced, while minimizing user complaints of cold water.

Abstract: A modulating gas burner control system using closed loop feedback from a flame rod which provides a signal that varies with gas pressure and which provides combustion air fan control to accurately control the heat from the system without use of expensive control valves.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of a leak in a water heater unit comprising a storage tank is presented. The present invention involves mounting one heating sensor on the lower half of the tank and another heating sensor on the upper half of the tank. Readings from both sensors are taken and compared to determine if the water heater tank has reached a steady state; if so, the cooling rate of the tank is determined. This cooling rate is compared to the historical natural cooling rate of the system, and based on the comparison a determination is made on the presence of a leak.

Abstract: A gas valve body with a first flow chamber and, a second flow chamber including and a main valve positioned in line and between the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber. The main valve can be opened by creating a pressure differential across the main valve. An electrostatically controlled pilot valve is provided for controlling the pressure differential across the main valve for “on-ff” operation. The electrostatically controlled pilot valve may also be operated to “modulate” the pressure differential across the main valve along a range of pressure differential values.

Abstract: A method of verifying proper operation of an electromagnetic valve. The method includes providing a mechanism to effect opening of the valve, verifying that the valve opened as a result of employing the mechanism to effect opening of the valve and after verifying the valve opened, signaling the valve to close after a first period of time has elapsed. The method further includes, after signaling the valve to close, signaling the valve to re-open after a second period of time has elapsed and detecting the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event associated with the closing or re-opening of the valve.

Abstract: A modulating gas burner control system using closed loop feedback from a flame rod which provides a signal that varies with gas pressure and which provides combustion air fan control to accurately control the heat from the system without use of expensive control valves.

Abstract: A gas valve includes a gas inlet in fluid communication with a first chamber, a second chamber in selective fluid communication with the first chamber, a gas outlet in selective fluid communication with the second chamber, a pilot light outlet in fluid communication with the second chamber, and a bypass channel in fluid communication with the second chamber and in fluid communication with the first chamber. The bypass channel limits bypass gas flow to an amount that is insufficient to ignite a pilot flame at the pilot light outlet when the second channel is in fluid communication with the gas outlet.

Abstract: The method and apparatus provides a controller (which might comprise a microprocessor) that can control gas flow to a pilot burner in fluid communication with a manual pilot valve and an automatic pilot valve. The exemplary embodiments can comprise a selectable input device that can open the manual pilot valve to allow gas flow to the pilot burner. A pilot flame can then heat one or more thermal detection devices in thermal communication with the pilot burner, wherein the one or more thermal detection devices can output a variable voltage potential to the controller. The controller can then open the automatic pilot valve to maintain gas flow to the pilot burner after the manual pilot valve has been closed. In an exemplary embodiment, the only voltage potential used to power the controller is supplied by the one or more thermal detection devices.