Abstract: A safety system for a gas burning device, such as a gas range having a plurality of burner assemblies. The safety system generally comprises a gas supply valve, a gas flow sensor, a gas leak warning circuit, a no-flame warning circuit, a gas supply valve controller for receiving warning signals from the warning circuits and for closing said gas supply valve in response thereto and a fan controller for activating the fan. Other warning circuits include a timer warning circuit and a smoke detection warning circuit. A display panel shows which warning circuit has issued a warning signal. A microprocessor may perform many system functions.

Abstract: A method for substantially maintaining an average heating temperature over a period of time without the aid of a temperature sensor. The method provides an apparatus which has an ignition device that is adapted to ignite a fuel. The apparatus may be a cooking appliance or practically any other device that is adapted to heat something. The fuel may be natural gas, propane gas, or practically any other fuel that may be ignited to provide heat. Conveyance means are provided for receiving the fuel from a source of the fuel and conveying the fuel to the ignition device. A valve is interposed on the conveyance means between the ignition device and the source of fuel. In order to substantially maintain the average heating temperature over the period of time, the valve is opened and closed in a predetermined pattern such that at least a portion of the fuel conveyed to the ignition device is ignited.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas appliance comprising a burner, a conduit, a control circuit, and a valve. The burner is adapted to burn a fuel and producing a flame. The conduit is connected to a source of the fuel and adapted to convey the fuel to a burner. The valve is interposed on the conduit between the source of fuel and the burner and is in electrical communication with the control circuit. The control circuit is adapted to provide a pulse width modulated signal to the valve whereby the valve provides a substantially linear flow rate of fuel to the burner.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus (10) having a body (13) defining a chamber (23), includes a heating assembly (31) mounted within the chamber (23). The heating assembly (31) includes a burner (32) and an infrared radiant energy emitter (33) positioned above burner (32). The emitter (33) absorbs energy from the burner (32) and emits infrared radiant energy. The infrared radiant energy is directed at and is used to cook food supported on a cooking grid (70) above the infrared radiant energy emitter (33).

Abstract: A grill has horizontal shelves attached to its sidewalls for holding charcoal vertically along the sidewall in different compartments. Compartments are selected for cooking according to the amount of heat required and the size and configuration of the food. A mesh framework with screens attached hold the coals in position. Cooking progress is viewed through a window and a transparent dome cover. The positioning of the coals relative to the food allows cooking from all sides speed cooking. Cooking racks of various shapes accommodate all foods.

Abstract: A grill has horizontal shelves attached to its sidewalls for holding charcoal vertically along the sidewall in different compartments. Compartments are selected for cooking according to the amount of heat required and the size and configuration of the food. A mesh framework with screens attached hold the coals in position. Cooking progress is viewed through a window and a transparent dome cover. The positioning of the coals relative to the food allows cooking from all sides speed cooking. Cooking racks of various shapes accommodate all foods.

Abstract: In an appliance such as an oven for cooking food, the invention contemplates a user rotatable, single knob oven control device which provides both discrete and continuous control signals to the appliance controller. The discrete outputs indicate selection of oven features, and the continuous output the desired baking temperature. These inputs are selected by a user in response to rotation of a user interface knob mounted on a control panel. The control panel provides visual indication of oven cooking temperature selections through a first arc around the knob, and user selectable oven features (such as, e.g., OFF/CANCEL, BROIL, and CLEAN) in a second arc around the knob. The control device comprises a hub having a portion adapted to be drivably coupled to the user interface knob. The hub also includes a flange which has at least one cam. The device also includes a variable resistance element having a rotatable shaft in driving engagement with the hub.

Abstract: This invention presents dual functions in a sole appliance. The present griddle has the feature to be heated by gas or electricity. This makes the griddle portable. The griddle comprising of housing (1) and a plurality of supporting legs (7a, b, c, d)(not shown) and attached to said housing (1) a removable top plate fixture (2), and attached to the interior of the housing (1) a separator plate (15) covering the entire interior area of the housing (1)characterized in that the housing (1) contains an electrical heating device (16), and electrical socket (9) and a gas manifold (17) with connector locking valve (3) the housing contains thermal insulation (21).

Abstract: A method for achieving movement of a gas burner of a cooking hob relative to a cavity in which said burner rests when not in use and from which it partially emerges for its activation, by which following a command for activating the burner a magnetic force is generated on the heating element which causes it to move and partially emerge from the cavity, said force ceasing when a burner deactivation command is given, with its consequent return to its rest position within the corresponding cavity. The method is implemented by a device comprising fixed conductor means arranged to cooperate magnetically with magnetically sensitive means associated with the movable burner.

Abstract: A charcoal, gas or electric-fired, fuel-isolated cooker comprising: an outer box separated by rigid insulation from an inner box, a multi-level cooking grill with a detachable grease catchpan, a heat chamber to isolate food from fuel source and to provide an additional hot surface for grilling items such as bread, removable cooking spikes, an optional flavor chip box, insulated handles, magnetized utensil hooks, a magnetically secured door, solid fuel, gas manifold or electric heating element holders, and an extendable vent pipe for use with solid fuel(charcoal briquettes) or gas combustion options.

Abstract: An improved oven of a type having an on/off pilot and gas valve for receiving gas, with the on/off pilot and gas valve being purely mechanical and having inner workings and a manually operated push button knob, a pilot in communication with the on/off pilot and gas valve and the oven for igniting the oven, a manually operated shut-off valve in fluid communication with the on/off pilot and gas valve for shutting off the gas, and a thermostat in fluid communication with the pilot and in fluid and mechanical communication with the oven for controlling the temperature of the oven.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting the temperature of a cooking location of a type having an electrically conductive burner housing forming a heating chamber, includes a temperature sensor including an outer tube and an inner rod received within the tube, a switch base carrying at least one contact which is actuated by the temperature sensor, an electrode at least partially positioned in the heating chamber and secured to at least one element selected from the group consisting of temperature sensor and switch base, and a current measuring device having a first terminal connected to the electrode and a second terminal connected to the burner housing.

Abstract: A grill has horizontal shelves attached to its sidewalls for holding charcoal vertically along the sidewall in different compartments. Compartments are selected for cooking according to the amount of heat required and the size and configuration of the food. A mesh framework with screens attached hold the coals in position. Cooking progress is viewed through a window and a transparent dome cover. The positioning of the coals relative to the food allows cooking from all sides speed cooking. Cooking racks of various shapes accommodate all foods.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the temperature of a cooking location of a cooking unit includes a temperature sensor having an outer tube and an inner rod received within the tube and having a different coefficient of expansion, a switch base operatively connected to the temperature sensor and carrying electric contacts actuated by the temperature sensor, and an igniter connected to the temperature sensor and/or switch base.

Abstract: A temperature control system for gas operated devices. The system includes a burner (23) that is connected to a gas supply through a regulator (41). A pilot light assembly (26) has a first vane (29) and a second vane (32) which provide a flame for igniting the gas from the burner (23) and for heating a thermocouple (38) to produce a control voltage for operating the regulator (41) and a temperature control (44).

Abstract: An atmospheric burner is associated with a flame presence sensor and an electrical-discharge ignition device. It is fed via a flow rate control device. Both the ignition device and the flow rate control device are controlled by a microcontroller. A user interface enables the user to select the desired power by sending to the microcontroller a request for altering the flow rate and hence for altering the minimum power deliverable by the burner.

Abstract: A portable cooking system that includes a detachable base, a support pole assembly, a detachable charcoal holder, a circular grating, a removable cover/lid, a detachable gas burner assembly, a detachable electric burner assembly, a washer shaped flame diffuser member, a cooking wok, and a cooking system carrying case.

Abstract: The cooking grill has a moisture-insensitive flame detector capable of accurately determining the presence or absence of flame in the presence of moisture disposed adjacent to the burner. It also provides a more reliable ignition device and will relight the grill if the flame is blown out. The cooking grill also has an automatic shut-off to protect against the user forgetting to turn off the gas. It provides a lock-out system which prevents unauthorized use by individuals, such as children. Finally, the temperature in a grill or other cooking device can be controlled by cycling the burner on and off through microprocessor commands.

Abstract: A cooking range, especially useful in commercial environments, wherein an automatic ignition gas burner is mounted thereon. The range includes an input valve connected to a gas fired burner element. The valve is mechanically operated by a plunger which is selectively engaged by a utensil placed on the cooking range in a preferred embodiment. The plunger may be connected to the valve directly or by a mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A cooking assembly has a main burner, a pilot burner mounted in it and having a vent, a gas valve having separate main and pilot gas outlets, and a main-burner controller including a temperature sensor on the main burner, a control unit on the valve capable of varying gas output from the main gas outlet, and a capillary tube connected between the sensor and the control unit. This controller can vary gas flow from the main outlet in accordance with the temperature of the main burner as sensed by the sensor. An electrical igniter on the main burner can be energized by a switch on the valve. A pilot-burner controller connected to the switch includes a thermoelectric sensor in the pilot vent and blocks gas output from the gas outlets when insufficient heat is detected by its sensor and the switch is not closed.

Abstract: A gas burner for maintaining a correct gas and air mixture for low-flame ignition. The gas burner includes a burner cap having a gas inlet and a plurality of gas outlets each having a predetermined diameter. The plurality of gas outlets are circumferentially spaced about a periphery of the cap and communicate with the gas inlet. The burner cap further includes an ignition enhancing outlet having a predetermined diameter and a longitudinal axis. The ignition enhancing outlet is aimed at the ignitor. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the ignition enhancing outlet is aligned with the ignitor.

Abstract: In a gas appliance, such as a domestic gas fire or heater, there is provided a gas ignition device comprising a solenoid actuator which is electrically operable to cause a gas valve to initiate a gas flow, an igniter which is electrically operable to ignite the gas flow, and a remote control unit connected to the gas actuator and the igniter by a low voltage line. The control unit incorporates a power supply for providing a low voltage output and a timer circuit for applying the low voltage output to the line by actuation of a relay to cause gas ignition in response to manual actuation of a switch. Such a gas ignition device is advantageous because the remote control unit can be mounted at some distance from the appliance so that none of the circuit components of the remote control unit is subjected to high temperature in use, and there is no requirement for a high voltage supply to the appliance itself and only low voltages are supplied to the inside of the appliance.

Abstract: A combusting apparatus of the present invention can easily recharge an incorporated storage battery that has been exhausted to or below a required minimum level. A burner (18) in the combusting apparatus is further provided with a thermoelectricity generating element (4), which receives the heat of combustion and generates a thermoelectric e.m.f. When a multi-contact switch (16) is activated to set the arrangement of plural capacitors (15) in parallel, the capacitors (15) having the parallel configuration are charged with a thermoelectric e.m.f. generated by the thermoelectricity generating element (4). When an operation of a switching button (20) activates the multi-contact switch (16) to change the arrangement of the capacitors (15) from the parallel configuration to the series configuration, the sum of the voltages of the capacitors (15) is applied to an oscillation circuit (9) included in a booster circuit (8) as well as a storage battery (12).

Abstract: An oven structure (1) comprises a casing (2) provided with walls (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) defining a cooking chamber (4) open on one side (4A) of said casing (2), and below said casing (2) an element (20) provided with a cavity (19) defined by walls (21, 22, 23, 26) rising from the lower wall (24) of said element (20), said cavity (19) facing the lower wall (8) of said casing (2). At least part (26) of said element (20) is removable to allow connection to a gas heating member (29), said cavity (19) being able at choice either to receive an electrical heating member (60) or become the seat of a hot air stream generated by the gas member (29), the lower wall (8) of said casing (2) being provided with apertures (16) which are preferably closed when the cavity (19) of the lower element (20) contains the electrical heating member (60) and are open when said lower element (20) is connected to the gas heating member (29).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a gas appliance, having valve means disposed in a gas supply and an activation means for controlling the valve means. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is used in a free-standing gas range having a control panel whereon the activation means which is a rotary mechanical knob is disposed. Further, the valve means used in the gas shutoff apparatus is mechanically activated. In a further embodiment, the apparatus for controlling a gas supply to a free-standing gas range having a control panel whereon the activation means is disposed, further has an electrical push-button switch which controls an electromechanically activated valve means.

Abstract: A gas-flame heated, self-contained kettle comprises a housing (12); a gas burner (14) contained within the housing (12); a container (16) for the fluid (18) to be heated, positioned within the housing (12) and above the burner(14); and exhaust duct (22) leading from an area (24) above the burner (14), through the container (16), and out of a surface of the housing (12). Excess heat and combustion gases are exhausted in heat-exchanged contact with fluid in the container (16) via the ducts (22), for augmented heating of the fluid with simultaneous protection and insulation of the housing (12).

Abstract: The invention concerns a gas-heated apparatus, in particular a cooking appliance with at least one glass ceramic cooking surface with a gas heating means of conventional configuration and two mutually independent safety paths for monitoring the electronic control device. The one safety path monitors actuation for each consumer while the other safety path monitors the flow of current through said consumer. The control device can be of a particularly simple structure by virtue of being designed in the form of a digital circuit. The consumers to be monitored are the solenoid valves and/or gas burners.

Abstract: An electronic control system for gaseous fuel burners, particularly suitable for ovens and employs a single push-to-turn user control knob for selecting BAKE, BROIL or SELF-CLEAN modes of operation and for setting the oven temperature desired in the BAKE mode, the control knob turns a potentiometer shaft which provides a signal indicative of the shaft position to a microprocessor which controls relays for selectively opening and closing electrically operated BAKE and BROIL burner valves.

Abstract: A food cooking grill with a housing which includes a horizontally disposed grate which is secured to a front frame plate, opposing side walls and rear wall. A front access door is hingedly mounted on the front frame plate. A payment device and a digital display are mounted on the access door and are electrically connected to a control circuit. A solenoid-actuated shut-off valve is interposed in a gas conduit between the burner and a propane or LPG tank coupling in one embodiment of the invention. The shut-off valve is responsive to the control circuit which receives inputs from the payment device and a flame detector and which also controls a flame ignitor and the digital display.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus has a built-in storage battery and has circuitry which restores a sufficient amount of stored electrical energy in the storage battery when the amount of electrical energy stored in the storage battery is lowered below a required level. A thermoelectric generator element is heated by combustion heat produced by a burner to generate a thermal electromotive force. A manual operation of a slide button causes an associated multi-contact switch to repetitively turn ON and OFF, such that a coil in a booster circuit boosts a voltage generated by the thermoelectric generator element. The boosted voltage is applied to an oscillator circuit in the booster circuit, so that the booster circuit is driven to boost the voltage from the thermoelectric generator element as well as to start powering the oscillator circuit and a storage battery. Consequently, a sufficient amount of stored electrical energy is restored in the storage battery.

Abstract: A burner control provides a pulsed flame sequence in response to a user's selective manipulation of an actuator through a range of response. A microcontroller-based control module switches both a burner ignitor control and an electric valve for gas supply to the burner in a predetermined time sequence depending upon the actuator position within the predetermined range. Preferably, one or more of a plurality of burners on a single cooking top are controlled for pulsed sequence operation, and a single actuator for each channel, preferably in a form of a rotary knob, provides a simple user interface for utilizing the pulsed flame sequence, preferably in a low gas flow or simmer cooking range.

Abstract: An automatically controlled broiler for use in broiling steaks in a restaurant has individual burner units for each grilling position. A memory unit contains a number of different cooking times that are addressed by the cook entering via a keyboard various parameters relating to the broiling operation, such as cooking amount, weight of the steak, and the like. A microcomputer looks-up the cooking time and opens a controllable gas valve for the selected burner unit for the read-out time period, after which the gas at that burner unit is extinguished and an indicator set off to alert the cook. At such time, the cook turns the steak and reactivates the burner unit using the keyboard in case only the first side has been broiled, or the cook takes the steak from the grill in the case that the second side has just been broiled.

Abstract: A gas burning apparatus detects a gas pressure existing between a nozzle for supplying gas to a burner and an adjusting valve for adjusting combustion amount by means of a pressure sensor. A central control device, including a microcomputer, drives the adjusting valve so as to obtain a combustion amount desired by a user. This construction controls thermal power accurately. In addition, a different kind of gas stored by the microcomputer can be used by operating a switch corresponding to the kind of gas to be used.

Abstract: A gas range includes a burner, a burner control unit, a piezoelectric igniter and a safety valve. The safety valve is situated between a gas supply and the burner. A thermocouple is situated near the burner. The piezoelectric igniter is used to ignite gas which vents out of the burner. As a flame occurs at the burner, a temperature at the burner will ascend. The thermocouple detects the increased temperature and generates a current to open the safety valve. If the flame goes out, the temperature will descend to the predetermined value. The thermocouple detects the decreased temperature and stops generating any current to actuate the safety valve. Thus, the safety valve is closed so as to keep any gas from venting out of the burner.

Abstract: A liquid fuel campstove is provided with a piezoelectric ignition system. The campstove includes a liquid fuel tank, a burner assembly having a fuel inlet and fuel outlet orifices, a generator tube which is connected to the fuel tank and extends adjacent the burner assembly, and a U-shaped venturi tube which extends from the generator to the fuel inlet of the burner assembly. A pilot tube is inserted into the venturi tube and extends to adjacent the fuel outlet orifices of the burner assembly. The electrode of the piezoelectric ignition system is positioned adjacent the end of the pilot tube.

Abstract: The housing includes a horizontally disposed grate which is rigidly secured to a front frame plate, opposing side walls and rear wall, all welded together. A front access door is hingedly mounted on the front frame plate and a lock is provided to secure the two together. A coin/bill acceptor and a digital display are mounted on the access door and are electrically connected to a control circuit. A solenoid-actuated shut-off valve is interposed in a gas conduit between the burner and a propane or LPG tank coupling. The shut-off valve is responsive to the control circuit which receives inputs from the coin/bill acceptor and a flame detector and which also controls a flame igniter and the digital display.

Abstract: This invention provides for the addition of a small electrical element within the confines of a conventional gas station on a cooktop for purposes of simmer cooking which requires control of temperatures below the minimum obtainable with the minimum gas flow rate control settings. Control of power to the electrical heating element is commenced by a first microswitch after control of the gas portion of the burner has been minimized, and reignition has been disabled by operation of a second microswitch. Electrical control means include on-off heater control, continuous power control with a rheostat, or by stepwise adjustment as in a conventional stove. The electrical system and control may be incorporated within a conventual gas burner during assembly with minimum modification.

Abstract: A range structure is arranged to include a housing having a housing top wall, having a plurality of burner assemblies, with each burner assembly including a gas burner head mounting an annular electric cooking ring thereon. Each gas burner head includes an annular array of gas ports, as well as a plurality of support boss plugs projecting beyond the gas ports for support of an associated cooking ring. The baking cavity of the housing includes respective roof and floor plates having respective electric and gas members to permit the selective baking and broiling of food components in the baking cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a spirit stove. The spirit stove comprises a top (11) which is provided with at least one hot plate (15) of hear conducting material which is placed so that the plate joins the top. The stove has a spirit burner (33, 36, 37, 38) which is placed below the plate and to which air flows and from which fumes leave by natural ventilation. The plate is surrounded by a heat insulating material (23) having a surface which is exposed to the flames and/or the fumes.

Abstract: A gas flow detection device having an inlet for connection to a source of gas and an outlet for connection to a gas-using appliance is disclosed. Gas for feeding a pilot flame of the appliance flows through a permanently open orifice. When the appliance is switched on the pressure at the devices outlet drops and a piston which is in a tube is lifted by gas pressure at the device's inlet. Gas then flows from the inlet to the outlet. A light source and a light sensitive cell provide a signal that indicates that the piston has lifted. A monitoring system which makes use of the signal provided by the cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: A top gas burner control employs touch keypads to provide operator input signals to a microcomputer. The microcomputer controls reversible gear motor to operate gas burner valves, and the positions of the shafts of the valves are fed back to the microcomputer via decoders. The initial operation of a burner requires the operator to touch and ON keypad, in response to which the microcomputer rotates the shaft of the valve to a maximum open position and energizes an igniter at this position. The operator must the touch a further keypad within a predetermined time in order to prevent the microprocessor from closing the valve.

Abstract: A burner construction, igniter assembly therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the igniter assembly comprising an electrically insulating body member having an intermediate portion provided with a groove therein and having opposed end surfaces one of which is adapted to be disposed adjacent a cap of a burner construction, and an electrically conductive L-shaped electrode carried by the body member and having two legs one of which has a first part thereof disposed in the groove of the body member and has a second part extending out of the intermediate portion for sparking to the cap, the groove of the body member leading from the burner chamber to the second part of the one leg of the electrode between part of the one end surface and the intermediate portion of the body member for feeding fuel from the chamber to the second part of the one leg of the electrode.

Abstract: Gas-fired cooking apparatus comprising a combined griddle and broiler unit, including a hinged broiler heat source which can be selectively raised or lowered over the cooking surface of the griddle is disclosed. The heat source is ignited by an electro-mechanical system responsive to the position of the broiler top, and which ignites the heat source only when the top is lowered. An exhaust system is provided for removing combustion products from the cooking surface.

Abstract: A cooking range in which a burner below a glass-ceramic plate is ignited with a glow igniter switched off in response to an ionization detector when combustion products are effected so as to prevent excessive heating of the glow igniter.

Abstract: A food utensil for use with either an electric heater or a gas burner is provided having an upwardly projecting flat annular section surrounding a central opening. Six semi-circular sections extending radially from the central opening passes around the annular section. A pot may be mounted over the central opening for heat transfer directly from the electric heater or the gas burner and food contained in the semi-circular sections may be heated simultaneously with the cooking of food in the pot. In this manner, food products may be heated that are contained within the pot or pan mounted on the food utensil while simultaneously allowing cooking of food contained within the semi-circular sections.

Abstract: The electronic grill control employs a microprocessor-based circuit which monitors cooking temperature, cooking time, fuel level and the presence or absence of flame. The fuel level may be displayed alternately as a percentage or fraction of the full tank capacity or in terms of the burning time remaining in the tank. A dual electrode ignition circuit eliminates noise problems in the microprocessor circuitry by establishing the appropriate sparking voltage between the two electrodes instead of between a single electrode and the casting ground. A fuel presence sensor comprising one of the two electrodes measures resistance or conductance of the ionized gases within the flame to provide the microprocessor with an indication that the flame has failed to ignite or has blown out. All information is displayed on an alphanumeric display with audible alarms provided for certain conditions.

Abstract: The electronic grill control employs a microprocessor-based circuit which monitors cooking temperature, cooking time, fuel level and the presence or absence of flame. The fuel level may be displayed alternately as a percentage or fraction of the full tank capacity or in terms of the burning time remaining in the tank. A dual electrode ignition circuit eliminates noise problems in the microprocessor circuitry by establishing the appropriate sparking voltage between the two electrodes instead of between a single electrode and the casting ground. A fuel presence sensor comprising one of the two electrodes measures resistance or conductance of the ionized gases within the flame to provide the microprocessor with an indication that the flame has failed to ignite or has blown out. All information is displayed on an alphanumeric display with audible alarms provided for certain conditions.

Abstract: A cooking unit has a ceramic cooking surface, a gas burner underneath the surface, a gas supply including a solenoid valve for feeding a combustible gas to the burner, and an electric igniter juxtaposed with the burner and electrically energizable to ignite the combustible gas issuing from the burner. An electricity supply is connected to the igniter and to the gas supply for electrically energizing the igniter whenever the valve is open and supplying gas to the burner. In addition an electronic controller connected to the valve and to the electric supply monitors current consumption of the igniter and closes the valve when the current consumption of the igniter indicates same is malfunctioning. The controller includes a digital circuit that is also typically operated by the user of the cooker to turn the burners on and off and control their temperatures and an analog circuit connected parallel to each other. At least one of these circuits controls opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled gas appliance basically comprising three components: (1) a computer processor with a sensor interface, (2) a valve assembly, and (3) a human interface. The sensor interface is capable of passing the input from a series of sensors through the processor for subsequent use in controlling the operation of a burner valve in the valve assembly. Appropriate sensors are provided for connection to the sensor interface to measure, among other things, flame temperature, gas flow, carbon monoxide, combustibles, occupancy by an individual in the presence of the gas appliance, and gas composition. The valve controls the flow of natural gas through a line from a source of gas to a burner found in the appliance. The valve is controlled through a valve operator that responds to signals obtained from the computer processor via valve interface electronics.

Abstract: A cooking and heating stove capable of operating on either gaseous fuel or electricity has a combination burner construction consisting of an annular metal plate with an electrical resistance heater located in recessed grooves on the undersurface, and a ceramic gas distributor int he central opening of the plate. Separate controls on a common housing are provided for the gas and electrical parts of the burner assembly.