Burners And Lighters Patents (Class 126/39E)
  • Patent number: 6146132
    Abstract: A multi piece gas burner assembly that is machined or cast and having a burner base that contains holes for primary air where the hole dimensions do not exceed the height of a jet mounted therein. The burner base is fastened onto an appliance. The burner head rests upon a boss on the burner base and has a tube that directs a flammable gas-air mixture from the burner base into a cavity created between the burner head and the burner cap. The burner cap rests upon the burner head and contains an outer edge that is turned downwards in order to allow fluid to drip away from the flame. A groove is cut into the burner cap just inside the down turned outer edge and provides a location for a support flame. The location of the groove prevents fluid and dust from collecting inside the groove. The groove captures the flammable gas-air mixture, which provides a constant ignition source for the gas-air mixture through slots in the burner cap when ignited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Uwe Harneit
  • Patent number: 6135764
    Abstract: A ribbon port burner for a gas range comprises a base defining a gas inlet portion and a gas plenum portion. The gas plenum is defined by a bottom wall portion which terminates at its outer periphery in generally vertical outer side walls. The burner also includes a cap which is positioned in fixed spaced relation to the bottom wall such that the cap forms an upper wall of gas plenum portion. In this position the cap's relation to the side walls defines a ribbon port of essentially constant cross-sectional area continuously around the periphery of the burner. The burner also includes an ignition port in the bottom wall for accommodating insertion of an ignition system within the plenum. Preferably, a gas ignition portion is defined within the gas plenum portion defining a segregated volume. The burner side walls terminate in an acutely angled surface, as does the outer portion of the lower surface of the cap, such that an essentially constant cross sectional area is maintained to form the ribbon port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: David J. Kwiatek
  • Patent number: 6132205
    Abstract: This invention incorporates a multi-ring burner assembly utilizing at least two flame rings to gently and evenly warm food and a third flame ring in conjunction with the first two flame rings for cooking food.This design has the further advantages of easy replacement of both the igniters and the gas jets from the top of the appliance without having to remove the unit from the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Uwe Harneit
  • Patent number: 6131561
    Abstract: A gas range has a plurality of burners each of which extend through a respective burner opening in a range top of the gas range. A gap is formed between each burner assembly and its respective opening. Each burner assembly includes a burner head which includes an annular air stability ring which extends into the gap between the burner assembly and the range top. The air stability ring deflects flue products escaping through this gap away from the burner ports. By deflecting the flue products away from the burner ports, the flame eminating from the burner ports is stabilized permitting more efficient combustion of the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignees: Lincoln Brass Works, Inc., Frigidaire Home Products
    Inventors: Douglas Myron Maxwell, James Lewis Ayres, Joseph A. Donoho, Bobby R. Goodman, Wiley William Miller
  • Patent number: 6095802
    Abstract: A cast aluminum burner base has a tubular inlet communicating with a cavity formed in an enlarged diameter flange remote from the inlet. The cavity is closed by a cast aluminum cap registered against the base. The base and cap are each castellated along the parting line such that the castellations are interdigitated. Grooves having semi-circular cross sections and formed radially across the castellations and the spaces between and close on the parting line to form circular cross section primary flame-generating ports. The castellations on the cap are truncated and tapered to provide flame stabilizing passages adjacent alternate flame-generating ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Kwiatek
  • Patent number: 6092518
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cooking appliance comprising devices for cooking of which at least one burner with spiralling flames. The ducts for delivering the fuel mix towards the external part of the burner with spiralling flames are inclined with respect to a peripheral line on which the flame outlets are distributed. The invention is useful for high-powered gas burners for cooking food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sourdillon
    Inventor: Bernard Dane
  • Patent number: 6093018
    Abstract: An improved gas burner comprising in combination means for controlled feeding and subsequent admixing of a secondary air directly to the base of the flame in a form of a cap coaxially surrounding a burner head of the gas burner comprising a lateral apertures for issuing combustible air-gas mixture to form a flame. The through lateral openings of the predetermined size having the total cross section greater than the total cross-section of the apertures of burner head are performed on the side wall surface of the cap. During the operation of the gas burner the exact measured amount of the secondary air is admixed directly to the base of the flame, thereby highly efficient and complete combustion process characterized by high-elevated temperature is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Simon Avshalumov
  • Patent number: 6076517
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for adjusting a pressure-fluctuation free supply of gas and for controlling an operating pressure of an air/gas mixture to a radiation-gas burner of a gas cooking apparatus. The radiation-gas burner has a burner chamber and is mounted in a housing below a cover plate. The arrangement includes a gas supply conduit connectable to a gas source for receiving the gas and a pressure controller is mounted in the gas supply conduit for controlling the pressure of the gas to a constant operating pressure of at least 2.5 mbar above atmospheric pressure. A control unit is connected to the pressure controller for receiving the pressure-controlled gas and for metering the gas to the radiation-gas burner. The control unit includes a valve block having at least one exchangeable nozzle adapted to the type of gas from the gas source and a feed conduit has a clear cross-sectional area and communicates with the burner chamber. The feed conduit has an inlet opening adjacent the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Schott Glas
    Inventors: Michael Kahlke, Christof Koster, Rainer Hasse
  • Patent number: 6068471
    Abstract: A tube assembly for a gas range includes a small aluminum manifold block, valve assemblies adapted to regulate flow of gas from the manifold block to the burners, and burner orifices adapted to control flow of gas to the burners. Aluminum valve supply tubes each have a first end staked to an associated outlet of the manifold block and a second end connected to an inlet of an associated one of the valve assemblies. Aluminum burner tubes each have a first end connected to an outlet of an associated one of the valve assemblies and a second end connected to an associated one of the burner orifices. Two or more small manifold blocks can be interconnected by aluminum manifold supply tubes. The manifold supply tube can be easily bent to position the manifold blocks in any desirable position. An igniter assembly includes a pin extending from a stem of the valve assembly and a contactless position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Universal Tubular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph G. Ridenour
  • Patent number: 6067978
    Abstract: A barbecue grill comprising a grilling housing, and a gas burner mounted adjacent the grilling housing. The gas burner includes a burner base having a base chamber, a burner head having at least one air and fuel mixture exit port, and a venturi having opposed relatively open ends, the venturi providing a passage between the burner base and the burner head. The base chamber surrounds one of the opposed relatively open ends of the venturi and the base chamber has an inner wall which reduces from a wider portion to a narrower portion with a fuel inlet providing access for fuel into the base chamber and a combustion air inlet being disposed about at least a portion of a periphery of the wider portion of the base chamber. The burner further including a means for securing the burner head to the burner base such that the burner head may be lifted off the burner base for inspection and cleaning of the burner base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Erich J. Schlosser, Mohammed Shoeb, Horst Uwe Harneit
  • Patent number: 6056542
    Abstract: A burner is disclosed, comprising: a burner body and a burner lid coupled to the burner body so as to form a plurality of gas ports in a substantially circular and substantially planar arrangement, said gas ports being interposed between the burner body and the burner lid and adapted to have a corresponding array of flames extending from the gas ports during combustion of a fuel gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Bradford White Corporation
    Inventors: Eric M. Lannes, Timothy D. Scott
  • Patent number: 6056540
    Abstract: A pilot and thermocouple mounting bracket for supporting a thermocouple and for supporting a pilot and pilot shield adjacent a burner includes a central plate member and a plurality of tabs attached to the central plate member. At least some of the tabs include apertures for receiving the thermocouple and the pilot and are bent in various configurations enabling the pilot to be supported in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the burner. A locking tab forms part of the mounting bracket and is engageable with the pilot shield to eliminate the possibility of misplacing the pilot shield. By supporting the pilot in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the burner, dust is prevented from building up in and around the pilot shield, and cleaning and lighting the pilot is made easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Shenandoah Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James F. Newman, I. D. Burkholder
  • Patent number: 6050808
    Abstract: There is provided a control device for a gas burner used for gas cookers, in which the gas burner is connected to a flame monitoring device. The flame monitoring device has a timing device (11) which regulates a closing mechanism of a gas valve (7) or a gas control unit (2) in accordance with a predetermined switch-on time and/or a predetermined switch-off time. In that arrangement the control device (11) can act directly on the gas valve (7). It can however also act on an electromechanical relay (20) or an electro-hydraulic relay (21) which are each connected to a respective bimetal control device of the flame monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Diehl Stiftung & Co.
    Inventor: Edgar Vom Schloss
  • Patent number: 6017211
    Abstract: A surface cooking appliance having a unique rotatable burner. The surface cooking appliance includes a top surface having a first opening and wherein a gas supply tube is provided having a terminal end adjacent the first opening. An igniter is mounted to the top surface adjacent the first opening. A burner is supported on the top surface above the first opening. The burner includes an inlet port, off-set from the center point of the burner, for receiving gas from the gas supply tube. The burner further includes at least two igniter openings for receiving the igniter such that the burner may be rotated about the terminal end of the gas supply tube and positioned in a plurality of positions wherein the igniter is disposed in one of the at least two openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Gort, Carlos R. Tejada Medina, Guillermo Jose Aguirre, Jorge Luis Perez, Marcos Leyva
  • Patent number: 6012443
    Abstract: An ignition fixture includes a body has a hole and two slits defined through the top thereof so that the ignition device is received in the hole and a plate is connected to the body by inserting two insertions into the two slits. The plate has two bosses extending from the upper surface thereof which is inserted into a passage of an adjustable member which has two rows of positioning holes to receive the two bosses. The adjustable member has two slots so as to be connected to the bottom of the stove by extending bolts through the slots and engaged with the stove. The distance between the stove and the ignition device can be adjusted by receiving the bosses into the suitable pair of positioning holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Lin Tse Peug
  • Patent number: 5979429
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modularly constructed and variably configurable cook top arrangement of ready-made single modules each containing in a frame construction all parts necessary for operation as a burner module, exhaust component, blower unit, control module, signal and display unit, or other components, having a glass ceramic cook top in which the individual modules have shaped metal parts to which materials for thermal insulation are joined, and which have fastening means by which the modules can be arranged with one another and with the frame and can be fastened releasably to form a single functional unit, and on which openings, bores and recesses are provided as an assembling means for fastening the parts necessary for operation and for leading in and fixing the wiring and/or the ignition, control, and safety and indicating systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Schott Glaswerke
    Inventors: Bernd Schultheis, Michael Kahlke
  • Patent number: 5961311
    Abstract: A gas burner system including a burner body having a flange providing an annular surface. A removable cap is disposed above the burner body and contacts the annular surface for forming an annular interface with the burner body for closing the burner body. A plurality of ports are provided along the annular interface between the burner body and the cap. A first ignitor is disposed adjacent the annular interface between the burner body and cap. A second ignitor is also disposed adjacent the annular interface between the burned body and cap. Electronic means energize the first and second ignitors for generating sparks to ignite the gas burner. The energizing means include means for sensing the presence of flame at both the first and second ignitors such that during burner operation, if no flame is sensed at both the first and second ignitors, the ignitors are energized for generating sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Roger R. Moore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5954492
    Abstract: The gas burner of the present invention includes a mated burner body and a burner lid. A plurality of gas ports in a substantially circular and planar arrangement are interposed between the mated body and lid and are directed radially from the body and lid. An air shield member is coformed to and extends radially from the burner body or burner lid. Extending radially from the air shield member in substantial radial alignment with the gas ports is a plurality of flame partitions equal in number to the gas ports. Each flame partition has two attached tabs which are substantially perpendicular to each other when the flame partition is observed in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Bradford White Corporation
    Inventors: Eric M. Lannes, Timothy D. Scott
  • Patent number: 5937796
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heating fluids which includes a combustion chamber (20) in which the head (21c) of the burner with the burner openings (39) for the flames is juxtaposed with a wall (21a, 21b) of the chamber itself separating this latter from the lower portion of the apparatus; in the event of flammable substances being present in the environment surrounding the apparatus, these can enter the combustion chamber only through the openings (39) and the similar slots (50) formed in the wall (21a, 21b). This enables the ignition element (25) to ignite these substances as soon as they enter the chamber (20), thus preventing the formation of unwanted explosive or flammable mixtures in the chamber (20) and thereby contributing to the safety of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Worgas Bruciatori, S.r.l
    Inventor: Enrico Sebastiani
  • Patent number: 5938425
    Abstract: A device and a method for the controlled reduction of the gas flow Q fed to a burner nozzle of a gas-fired cooking or baking appliance via a gas supply pipe. The gas supply pipe is branched into a number n of partial gas pipes connected in parallel, through which a partial gas flow Q.sub.k with k=1,2,3, . . . ,n can be fed to the burner nozzle in each case, and which have a control unit in each case, the control units each being connected on their gas inlet side to the gas supply pipe and on their gas outlet side to the burner nozzle, and have a switching element for switching on and off the partial gas flow Q.sub.k passing through them and a throttle element for reduction of the partial gas flow Q.sub.k passing through them. The switching elements can be switched on and off according to the selected heating power. Alternatively a number n of throttle elements are connected in series with switching elements connected in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Gagenau Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Damrath, Gerhard Rothenberger, Martin Kornberger
  • Patent number: 5937846
    Abstract: A fluid control assembly that includes fluid valving, fluid regulation, automatic safety shut-off valving and manual shut-off valving in one assembly, a novel fluid control unit that integrates the above functions in one unit, and a novel ignitor and a novel seal and diaphragm for use in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: David D. Martin, Douglas W. Ray
  • Patent number: 5924860
    Abstract: A gas burner assembly is provided for use with a gas stove top. The gas burner assembly includes a burner base with an inlet receiving a mixture of gas and primary air. A burner cap is supported by the burner base. The burner base and the burner cap together define a burner fuel chamber. The burner cap includes a plurality of main burner ports where the air and gas mixture exits and burns in the presence of secondary air. A spark ignition assembly is operatively associated with the burner base for igniting the mixture. The burner cap includes an ignition pocket for capturing gas for reignition for drafts or door slam conditions. A venturi assembly communicates with the burner base inlet providing the air and gas mixture. The venturi assembly includes mounting features for mounting the gas burner assembly to the gas stove, thereby eliminating the need for fasteners to secure the burner base to the gas stove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Harper-Wyman Company
    Inventors: Dale Massey, Darryl Williams
  • Patent number: 5924857
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Luca Frasnetti, Giampiero Santacatterina
  • Patent number: 5911572
    Abstract: A spark ignition electrode assembly includes an electrode wire and an electrically insulative support member receiving and positioning the electrode wire proximate to the gas burner. The electrically insulative support member includes a threaded outer wall portion for receipt within a corresponding internally threaded aperture in the cooktop wall. The threaded outer wall portion is threadingly inserted in the corresponding cooktop aperture for positioning the spark ignition electrode assembly with the gas burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Harper-Wyman Company
    Inventor: Darryl Williams
  • Patent number: 5879154
    Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is provided with a flame spreader-type fuel burner assembly that reduces the operating NOx emissions of the water heater. The assembly includes a radial port gas burner coaxially disposed in a facing relationship with a generally inverted dish-shaped flame spreader which intercepts and is impinged on its concave side by the burner flames. In various disclosed embodiments of the flame spreader, during operation of the burner the burner flames pass through spaced series of openings extending through the flame spreader body inwardly of its outer edge periphery instead of being deflected horizontally outwardly past such periphery before passing upwardly beyond the flame spreader. The passage of the previously generated burner flames through these various openings serves to materially reduce the burner NOx emissions compared to a burner having an associated flame spreader with a conventional imperforate construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Carl J. Suchovsky
  • Patent number: 5875773
    Abstract: A device for protecting a cooking appliance, in particular a gas cooking plate or a gas cooker, with at least one gas burner which is connected to a gas main via a branch pipe and which is provided with a manually operated gas tap for opening and closing the branch pipe and an ignition mechanism, wherein the or each burner is provided with a sensor for detecting a gas flame, wherein a central processor is arranged which is connected to this sensor and which actuates a gas valve accommodated in the gas main, this such that the gas valve closes in the absence of a flame at the burner, whereby unsafe situations are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Atag Keukentechniek B.V.
    Inventor: Gerardus Wilhelmus Jansen
  • Patent number: 5851110
    Abstract: A tube assembly for a gas range includes a small aluminum manifold block, valve assemblies adapted to regulate flow of gas from the manifold block to the burners, and burner orifices adapted to control flow of gas to the burners. Aluminum valve supply tubes each have a first end staked to an associated outlet of the manifold block and a second end connected to an inlet of an associated one of the valve assemblies. Aluminum burner tubes each have a first end connected to an outlet of an associated one of the valve assemblies and a second end connected to an associated one of the burner orifices. Two or more small manifold blocks can be interconnected by aluminum manifold supply tubes. The manifold supply tube can be easily bent to position the manifold blocks in any desirable position. An igniter assembly includes a pin extending from a stem of the valve assembly and a contactless position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Universal Tubular Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph G. Ridenour
  • Patent number: 5829425
    Abstract: A gas range includes a gas distribution system which incorporates a multi-chambered gas manifold. The gas manifold includes a single gas inlet chamber and a plurality of gas outlet chambers. Communication between the gas inlet chamber and each gas outlet chamber is controlled by a respective rotating disc element which controls the flow of gas between the two chambers. The length of the gas manifold can be dictated by the spacing of the individual disc elements or it can be dictated by the spacing of the burners. The gas distribution system provides additional flexibility to the range designer while reducing costs by eliminating components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Lincoln Brass Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry Wayne Woods, William L. Hillis, William J. Ferlin, Anthony W. Simpson
  • Patent number: 5813394
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Convenience Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd W. Clifford
  • Patent number: 5800159
    Abstract: A gas burner assembly for connection to a gas source includes a burner body having a sidewall and a main gas conduit. The burner body further includes a number of primary burner ports disposed within the sidewall, each for supporting a respective main flame, and a simmer flame port disposed within the sidewall adjacent to the primary burner ports for supporting a simmer flame. Additionally, a main fuel chamber is disposed within the burner body to provide fuel to the primary burner ports, and a stability chamber is disposed within the burner body to channel fuel to the simmer flame port. In one configuration, the stability chamber has one or more stability inlets proximate the burner throat which provide the stability chamber with fuel by utilizing the static pressure associated with each stability inlet. In another configuration, the stability chamber has a small feed hole located proximate the burner throat of the main gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Rollins Maughan, James Kellogg Nelson
  • Patent number: 5791890
    Abstract: A gas oven having an electronic controller for directly controlling the gas valve and burner ignition. The controller opens the gas valve and activates the ignitor whenever oven heating is required and then determines whether ignition has occurred, detected by an indicator of ignition, often a conventional oven thermostat, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature device (RTD), or other type of temperature sensor. Positive proof of ignition is given by determining whether the detected temperature is increasing at a particular rate. The gas valve is closed if ignition does not occur within a predetermined time, preferably about 10-15 seconds. Re-ignition may be attempted after a sufficient delay. The controller also closes the gas valve whenever the oven temperature is decreasing at a predetermined rate or is increasing at less than a predetermined rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Rollins Maughan
  • Patent number: 5787874
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Cramer GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Krohn, Wilhelm Cramer, Helmut Diekmann
  • Patent number: 5765543
    Abstract: A sideburner assembly attaches to the legs of a barbecue grill and has a substantially flat top surface. The sideburner assembly has a base plate onto which a gas valve, a control knob, and a burner element are mounted. The burner element is mounted in a recessed portion of the base plate and is separated from the gas valve and control knob by a heat shield. The sideburner assembly also comprises a cover plate that has an opening for a cooking grate and an opening for the control knob. The cover plate and the openings in the cover plate are sized so that the top of the control knob and the top of the cooling grate are flush with the top surface of the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: W.C. Bradley Company
    Inventor: William Ladon Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5765542
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Thermador Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Martin Fey, Cyral Martin Walsh
  • Patent number: 5690094
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Etzion Metal Works
    Inventors: Naftali Sheinfeld, Shmuel Huss, Ilya Shmuelson
  • Patent number: 5690483
    Abstract: A gaseous fuel burner with a base formed of cast aluminum and a wafer cooperating with the base for forming an annular of flame generating ports. A cap is received over the wafer and forms a dead air space for reducing the temperature rise of the cap. The wafer and base are formed of aluminum or brass and the cap is either formed of cast iron or cast aluminum with a porcelainized steel disc insert on the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Coporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Oda, Donald M. Krueger, Stefan J. Szewczyk, George R. Kell, Norman K. Peck
  • Patent number: 5649822
    Abstract: An atmospheric gas burner includes a burner ring having a plurality of gas outlet ducts defining a respective plurality of gas outlet openings and each having a center axis extending at an angle greater than 0.degree. relative to a radius of the respective outlet opening, and a burner cover overlying the burner ring with the burner ring having a portion projecting beyond outer edges of lower regions of the gas outlet openings, and the burner cover having a portion which overhangs about the outer edges of upper regions of the gas outlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Elektro-und Gas-Armaturen-Fabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Gertler, Werner Gronnenberg, Klaus Holm, Jorn Naumann
  • Patent number: 5640947
    Abstract: A counter-top or free-standing cooking unit with a top surface of natural stone, such as granite, is made especially resistant to cracking and fracture caused by mechanical or thermal stress. The natural stone's perimeter is cut and holes cut to match the diameters of the heating elements to be installed. The stone is preferably annealed for a suitable time at a suitable temperature to relieve stresses introduced by cutting. A reinforcing plate material is selected to have sufficient tensile strength, good thermal conductivity, and a thermal expansion coefficient that matches to some extent the stone's lateral thermal expansion. The plate may be a laminated composite of several metals, chosen such that the thermal expansion of the laminate matches that of the stone as closely as possible. The plate is cut smaller than the stone slab's outer dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Alan B. Shute
  • Patent number: 5639232
    Abstract: A gas burner for an open top stove is provided that generally includes three sections that can be separated from one another: a burner body, a burner head, and a drip cover. Forming the bottom of the burner and connected to a gas source is the burner body, which is generally donut-shaped and has an open-topped channel for carrying gas. Seated atop the burner body is the burner head, which is also donut-shaped and includes an open bottomed, internal gas channel that communicates with the open-topped channel of the burner body. The burner head includes two adjacent rows of flame ports that encircle an outer peripheral surface of the burner head and communicate with the internal gas channel. The flame ports of an upper of the two rows are smaller than the flame ports of the lower row. The burner head also includes a third row of flame ports encircling an upper inner peripheral surface of the burner head around the central void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Middleby Marshall Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Bogenschutz, Phillip M. Walden, III, Fred J. Cencelewski
  • Patent number: 5628242
    Abstract: An activity monitor for a gas cooker or grill which monitors activity with a motion detector. When the grill has not been used for a preselected time period, the gas supply is automatically shut off to avoid fire hazard and/or wasting of fuel. An adjustable timer is used to activate the automatic shut off of the gas supply only after no motion has been detected for a preselected time period. A default timer value can be used when the grill is initially activated. If motion is detected prior to gas supply shut off, then the timer is reset to zero. Motion detection is accomplished by one or more methods including a lid position sensor to detect when the grill lid is moved between the open and the closed position a motion detector which monitors switch usage to detect activity, and vibration or movement monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: John E. Higley
  • Patent number: 5575638
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Thermador Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Witham, Michael W. Barbato
  • Patent number: 5567148
    Abstract: A fuel gas burner has a supply tube formed with a supply orifice in one end surrounded by aspirator vanes. The burner has a venturi member with a reduced diameter throat region received in the burner inlet. The aspirator vanes frictionally engage the throat region of the venturi. In one embodiment of the venturi comprises a helically wound wire and in another embodiment an annular member with turbulating surfaces formed downstream of the throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Donald M. Krueger, David J. Kwiatek
  • Patent number: 5556272
    Abstract: A modular ignition assembly for use in a direct fired make-up heater, includes a hot surface igniter disposed adjacent the discharge ports of a pilot tube for providing a pilot flame. The hot surface igniter is surrounded by a tubular shroud for minimizing the effects of cold air and high humidity on the performance of the ignition assembly. A flame sensor is provided for detecting and a sensing the existence of pilot flame and for controlling the gas flow to the burners accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Richard G. Blasko, Richard A. Mortimer
  • Patent number: 5545036
    Abstract: An integrally formed metal burner ring has a coil spring with a reduced center coil inserted in the burner inlet. Upon insertion of a fuel supply tube into the coil spring the center coil frictionally engages and seals over the supply tube and the spring is expanded to engage and seal against the burner inlet. An ignitor with a hollow tubular refractory holder has a hollow tubular electrode disposed in the hollow of the holder. The holder has a flat end face as an arc discharge surface with the end of the electrode flush with the discharge surface. The holder is secured in an aperture provided in a recess in the burner ring by orbital staking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Kwiatek
  • Patent number: 5528982
    Abstract: A gas-cooker frame is provided. The gas-cooker frame includes a gas-cooker stand, a drain frame and several springs. The gas-cooker stand is disposed on the gas-cooker base. The upper end of the gas-cooker stand has an open tube-shape. The stand has a base-plate with a central hole formed therein to form an open passage for providing a space for a gas flame. Several brackets are disposed around the interior of the gas-cooker stand for suspension of a drain frame by springs. The drain frame has a collector ring with drain grooves extending obliquely downward therefrom. The springs maintain the collector ring of the drain frame in contact with the bottom of a pot placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Chang-Feng Chuang
  • Patent number: 5511973
    Abstract: A burner support arrangement for a domestic stove having a platform with apertures for receiving two burner tubes, and raised rails extending between the apertures and a central igniter. Snap on covers form igniter tubes with the raised rails. A support clip clasps the burner tubes and supports the burner tubes above the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Keith Ray
  • Patent number: 5509403
    Abstract: The gas cooking assembly of the invention includes at least one gas-fired burner which has a burner chamber and a burner plate, especially a burner plate made of fiber material, the gas-fired burner being arranged below a continuous cooking plate made of a material conductive to heat radiation such as a glass ceramic, glass, ceramic or the like material. Control units are provided for metering gas as well as conventional ignition units, safety units and temperature-monitoring units. Exhaust-gas channels conduct away combustion gases. A blower brings additional air to the burner plate. The blower and control unit are located in a partitioned-off space wherein an overpressure is maintained by the blower. The partitioned-off space is connected via pipes to the burner chamber and to the ambient. The pipes are gas tight at their peripheral surfaces in the region outside of said partitioned-off space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Schott Glaswerke
    Inventors: Michael Kahlke, Kurt Schaupert
  • Patent number: 5498154
    Abstract: An ignition device for burners in which an ignition spark is established over a nonconducting surface between a hot electrode and a grounded electrode or electrically conductor portion which enables a greater spark distance to be obtained as compared to an ignition spark which jumps across an air gap between two conducting electrodes. An additional feature of the present invention is the provision of a high limit control positioned proximal the burner such that flame resulting from heater inlet blockage will flash upstream into the vicinity of the high limit control to control operation of the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Leland C. Scheu
    Inventors: Wallace W. Velie, Donald C. Haney
  • Patent number: 5488942
    Abstract: An atmospheric gas burner produces improved turndown by separating a small number of the burner ports for simmer service. The burner has an internal baffle which includes a cup section having four outwardly-extending channels. Each one of the channels aligns with a separate one of the ports. The burner also includes a first fuel nozzle arranged to provide fuel to all of the ports in conventional fashion and a second fuel nozzle which provides fuel to the four simmer ports only. The second fuel nozzle has an injection orifice with a smaller cross-sectional area than the injection orifice of the first fuel nozzle. Preferably, the second orifice is sized to provide the same input rate at a maximum pressure that the first orifice does at a minimum pressure. By using a small number of ports for simmer service, the gas velocity through these ports is increased and improved turndown is achieved. In another embodiment, the baffle divides each port into upper lower sections, instead of separating some of the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James R. Maughan
  • Patent number: 5468145
    Abstract: A gas burner assembly has a burner cap which includes a burner port section defining a plurality of burner ports, a skirted section defining an harbor, and a base section. A plate is secured to the base section of the burner cap and in conjunction with the burner cap defines a gas chamber. An electrode assembly extends through an aperture in the plate and an aperture in the base section of the burner cap and is nested in the harbor formed by the skirted section of the burner port. The skirted section provides protection from both physical damage as well as from spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Lincoln Brass Works, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Ferlin