Abstract: A remote sensing system which may be assembled with an Infrared (IR) sensor, or a plurality of IR sensors, disposed to sense IR radiance emitted as combustion products from a flare stack in two distinctive spectral bands, each band having a narrow spectral bandpass, the sensor being radiometrically calibrated to sense transmission characteristics of the two distinctive bands of the radiance from flare combustion gases; and an analyzer driven by a microcontroller, coupled to the IR sensor, to operationally respond in real time by generating an indication of flare stack's performance through a parameter derived from a ratio of the transmission characteristics of the two radiance outputs sensed by the IR sensor. The IR sensor of this flare monitoring-apparatus must be positioned in such a way that the anticipated entire flame will be captured within the Field of View (FoV) of the IR sensor, or sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for providing flare header information. Instantaneous flaring flowrate data is received from flaring sources of a flare network of a processing facility. The instantaneous flaring flowrate data is analyzed in conjunction with physical properties of relief sources obtained from a heat and material balance of the processing facility. A heating value and a molecular weight are determined for each relief source and flare header using a processing model associated with a relief source type, size, and identifications. The relief sources are connected using a data signal received and processed using the processing model. Reports are generated showing average daily heating values and molecular weights for each flare header. A real-time display is provided for monitoring instantaneous heating values and molecular weights for each flare header on a real-time basis.

Abstract: A portable heater provided with one or more pre-start indicator elements. The pre-start indicator element may emit an attention identifier indicative of the imminent start of heat production of the portable heater. The indicator element may be an audible and/or visual indicator element. The pre-start indicator element may alert during one or both of a manual and thermostat operation mode of a portable heater.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the volume of hot water dispensed during a given timeframe from a hydrocarbon fueled water heater based on the volume of fuel consumed by the water heater during the timeframe and the average temperature difference between the inlet water temperature and the outlet water temperature during the timeframe.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating the sensitivity of energetic substances or materials for transportation, storage, and in-process scenarios are disclosed. The disclosure discusses a system and method that use a high-speed video device, a CPU or computer, sensitivity equipment for testing and assessing the substance or material reaction or explosion sensitivities, such as an electrostatic discharge device or impact assessment device, and software for running a process or set of rules or instructions to be followed for quantifying and determining whether a reaction has occurred or not.

Abstract: A gas stove with flame detection comprises a switch module, a flame detection module and a processing module. The switch module generates an ignition signal when a gas stove flame is lit. The flame detection module generates a first light wave signal when the flame detection module detects light wave having wavelengths of about 400 nm to 500 nm, and the flame detection module generates an second light wave signal when the flame detection module detects light wave having wavelengths of about 600 nm to 780 nm. The processing module turns on an air drafting device and an alarm device when the processing module receives the first light wave signal and the second light wave signal at the same time or only receives the second light wave signal.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater is shut down when a predicted steady state combustion chamber temperature is below a known threshold. The predicted steady state temperature is based on combustion chamber temperatures during heat up of the burner and appliance.

Abstract: A gas appliance has a security device and a combustor. The security device has a gas valve, a thermocouple, and a controller. The thermocouple receives a heat of the combustor and generates thermoelectric potential accordingly. The controller controls the gas valve according to the thermoelectric potential. While the thermoelectric potential is lower than a high level, the controller controls the gas valve to reduce the gas supplied to the combustor, and while the thermoelectric potential is lower than a low level the controller controls the gas valve to stop the gas supplied to the combustor to avoid the incomplete burning because of insufficient oxygen.

Abstract: Servo gas system (11) for a gas burner (10), namely for controlling a pressure regulation valve (20) positioned in a gas duct (18) of the gas burner, thereby controlling a gas pressure within the gas duct (18) being present downstream of the pressure regulation valve (20) and thereby controlling a pressure difference between a pressure in a burner chamber (12) of the gas burner and said gas pressure within the gas duct (18), the servo gas system (11) comprising a static servo gas flow branch (28) and a dynamic servo gas flow branch (29) being connected in parallel, and a flow sensing element (30) being connected between the static servo gas flow branch (28) and the dynamic servo gas flow branch (29) and providing a signal used to control the pressure regulation valve (20) by an electric actuator (41).

Abstract: Device including a casing formed by non-conducting material fastenable to the household appliance, electrical supply means and a lighting circuit carried by the casing, and a spark plug fastenable to the household appliance in proximity of burner means carried by the household appliance so as to be electrically connected to earth; the lighting circuit being adapted to supply a high voltage alternating current to said spark plug to make it generate a spark adapted to produce the lighting of a flame following the feeding of a combustible gas flow to the burner means; wherein the supply means are direct current low voltage generator means carried by and accommodated in the casing and supply in parallel said lighting circuit, through ac/dc transformer means, and a control circuit, through electrical disconnection means from the lighting circuit, the control circuit being electrically connected to the spark plug and to a first terminal of a LED indicator fastenable in use to the household appliance and having a se

Abstract: Smoking cessation lighter is configured for lighting cigarettes for a smoker, and learning software is provided for monitoring smoking behavior of a smoker during a first data collection period and guiding a smoker's smoking cessation by directing the smoker when the smoker is to smoke a cigarette based on data collected during the first data collection period. The learning software monitors user behavior and collects data during use of the lighter by the smoker after the initial data collection period in order to analyze and further guide the smoker based on the smoker's cheating behavior, the smoker's behavior of lighting a cigarette for a friend, and the smoker's behavior of skipping use of the lighter at a time when the smoker has been directed to light a cigarette by the lighter.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus includes a fuel supply line for providing an overall fuel supply to the apparatus; a burner including multiple fuel supply lines, the supply of fuel in the fuel supply lines to the burner corresponding to the overall fuel supply in the fuel supply line to the apparatus, and a combustion volume associated with the at least one burner. A temperature sensor measures a temperature of a part of the apparatus to be protected against overheating. A pressure sensor measures pressure within the combustion volume. A control arrangement varies the fuel supplies to the burner based on the measured temperature and pressure and on an information indicative for a progress over time for a signal for a time span. The arrangement maintains the temperature of part to be protected and the pressure variations within the combustion volume below predetermined limits, while maintaining constant fuel supply to the apparatus.

Abstract: A fuel-fired combustor includes a housing with a combustion chamber. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. A fuel inlet to the housing supplies fuel to the combustion chamber. An igniter ignites a mixture of exhaust gas and fuel to produce a flame for increasing an internal temperature. At least one sensor measures or monitors at least one combustor characteristic and generates a corresponding combustor characteristic signal. A controller receives the combustor characteristic signal, compares the combustor characteristic signal to a predetermined combustor criteria and generates an output signal to change at least one combustor operating condition if the combustor characteristic signal varies from the predetermined combustor criteria.

Abstract: A gas burner safety system comprises dual sensor arrays, the first array positioned proximal to the gas burner and the second array positioned proximal to a control used to turn on and of and regulate the flame of the gas burner. The first array senses the flame components such that a flame signature is obtained when no object is placed on or above the flame and a flame image is obtained when an object is proximal to the flame. By comparing the flame signature and the flame image, a central control unit operatively connected to the sensor arrays can determine the presence or absence of an object proximal to the flame. The second sensor array is positioned to detect a human hand proximal to the control. In operation, if the flame image matches the flame signature and a human hand is not detected proximal to the control, the central control unit turns off the gas burner by causing the closure of a valve in the gas supply line to the gas burner.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the state of a fuel-air mixture and/or the combustion in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, with sample signals of flame light signals being stored in a database, and with flame light signals of the combustion in the combustion chamber being detected and compared with the stored sample signals, and with an evaluation of the state being output in the case of coincidence between the measured and stored signal patterns. In order to enable the monitoring of the combustion in the simplest possible way the sample signals in the database are stored with the assigned emission values and an evaluation of the state of the combustion is performed with respect to the obtained emissions in the case of coincidence between the measured and stored signal patterns for the combustion chamber of the respective cylinder.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance having a gas burner, at least one control device comprising a gas regulating valve regulating the flow of gas to the gas burner, a knob controlling the opening ON and closing OFF of the valve, and a position sensor detecting the ON-OFF position of the knob, and at least one signaling device comprising a light signal source that emits an alarm signal in the form of light. The light signal source emits the alarm signal during a time period T1 when the position sensor detects that the knob is in the OFF position, after the knob having been in the ON position, and the gas burner has been switched on at least during a time period T2.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an instability associated with at least one burner are disclosed. A detector measures a signal associated with a characteristic of the at least one burner. The signal is converted to a time-varying signal spectrum using at least one processor. An instability is detected based at least in part on the time-varying signal spectrum. The instability can be detected based on an instability indicator calculated based at least in part on the time-varying signal spectrum. A threshold can be associated with the instability indicator such that an instability is detected when the instability indicator is greater than the threshold.

Abstract: A gas appliance has a security device and a combustor. The security device has a gas valve, a thermocouple, and a controller. The thermocouple receives a heat of the combustor and generates thermoelectric potential accordingly. The controller controls the gas valve according to the thermoelectric potential. While the thermoelectric potential is lower than a high level, the controller controls the gas valve to reduce the gas supplied to the combustor, and while the thermoelectric potential is lower than a low level the controller controls the gas valve to stop the gas supplied to the combustor to avoid the incomplete burning because of insufficient oxygen.

Abstract: A premix gas burner comprises a burner deck which comprises a fiber based substrate and a perforated plate or a screen supporting the fiber based burner substrate. The premix gas burner further comprises at least two contact wires that are forming a thermocouple. The contact wires are directly or indirectly fixed to the burner deck to measure a temperature of the burner deck when the premix gas burner is in operation. The fiber based substrate is locally at least partly connected directly or indirectly to the perforated plate or the screen in the region where the contact wires of the thermocouple are directly or indirectly fixed to the burner deck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a burner adapted to heat a furnace or other environment of use. In particular, a burner for providing a fuel gas in combination with an oxidant to effect controlled reaction of the fuel gas in a manner to reduce NOx emissions is described. Combustion of the fuel gas is shifted from the burner combustor to a location outside the burner once the temperature within the furnace/radiant tube has reached a sufficient level to complete combustion of the fuel gas.

Abstract: An improved cooking range includes an improved notification system that is configured to detect an operated state of the range and to periodically output a notification representative of a duration of time that the range has remained in the operated state. The notification may include the audible outputting of an sound tag representative of one or more spoken words that indicate a duration of time that the apparatus has remained in the operated state and/or an operational level of the range. The notification system can additionally be configured to detect a predetermined condition such as a flame or an excessive ambient temperature in the vicinity of the range and output an audible and/or visible warning notification. The notification system can be built into the range or can be in the form of a system that can be retrofitted to an existing range. The system enhances operational safety.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a heating appliance that includes a manually-opened pilot valve that is held in an open position when a sufficient voltage is applied to a valve operator, and a thermocouple that converts heat from a pilot flame into a voltage that is applied to the valve operator. The apparatus includes a voltage measuring circuit that provides an output indicative of a magnitude of the voltage generated by the thermocouple, and a light emitting device. A controller is coupled to the voltage measuring circuit and the light emitting device. The controller is configured to establish, based on the output indicative of the magnitude of the voltage generated by the thermocouple, a switch sequence for switching the light emitting device on and off in a flashing manner, to provide an indication of when the magnitude of the voltage is sufficient to cause the valve operator to hold the gas valve open.

Abstract: A method for combusting oil from an oil-containing layer floating on water as from an oil spill or well leak. In the method, an oxygen-containing gas is passed through a conduit, the oxygen-containing gas from the conduit is introduced proximate the oil-containing layer floating on water, and oil from the oil-containing layer is combusted with the oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a flame. The oxygen-containing gas is introduced with an oxygen molar flow rate sufficient to decrease the opacity of a smoke plume from the combusting oil.

Abstract: An oil/slurry burner with injection atomization for the gasification of solids-containing liquid fuels under high pressures of e.g. 80 bar (8 MPa) and high temperatures of e.g. 1200 to 1900 degrees centigrade in reactors with liquid slag removal is proposed, wherein a plurality of feeding elements disposed outside the annular duct concentrically with respect to the burner axis are provided for introducing liquid fuel and atomizing agent, the individual feeding elements being implemented intrinsically straight in the burner, inclined to the burner axis in the direction of the burner mouth, and ending at the burner mouth adjacent to the oxidant outlet. By introducing the liquid fuel and atomizing agent in individual completely implemented tubes with a corresponding nozzle, different fuels can be supplied simultaneously via the individual feeds and converted in a flame reaction.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon-fueled hot water heater for supplying hot water includes a cold water inlet, a hot water outlet, a selectively activatable burner for applying heat to a volume of water between the inlet and the outlet, a sensor for sensing activation of the at least one burner, and a communication interface for communicating data corresponding to the activation of the at least one burner to a processor configured to multiply the amount of time the burner is activated by a known value corresponding to a flow rate of the burner to estimate an amount of fuel consumed by the hydrocarbon-fueled hot water heater. Other devices and methods of submetering hydrocarbon fueled water heaters are also included.

Abstract: A control system for a power system is disclosed. The control system has a first valve mechanism, a second valve mechanism, and a controller in communication with the first and second valve mechanisms. The controller is configured to direct a single electronic control signal to the first and second valve mechanisms. Actuation of the first valve mechanism is initiated in response to the value of the single electronic control signal exceeding a first threshold value, and actuation of the second valve mechanism is initiated in response to the value of the single electronic control signal exceeding a second threshold value.

Abstract: A cigarette lighter includes a reservoir for storing fuel and a head formed on the reservoir. Moreover, the cigarette lighter includes a valve for releasing the fuel from the reservoir, a nozzle put in the head for spraying the fuel from the valve, an ignition device for igniting the fuel sprayed from the nozzle, a cover for covering the head and an alarm for providing only one round of a message every time the cover is lifted.

Abstract: A method of starting up a fuel-fired burner of an emission abatement assembly includes lowering the fuel rate being supplied to the burner once flame ignition is detected. The fuel rate is maintained at this lower level as the assembly preheats. Once preheated, the fuel level is ramped up to a predetermined operational fuel level. An emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to create a gas regulating fitting which, once a gas stove has been successfully started up, can switch the pilot burner into the off position when the main burner is in the off position, in order to maintain the power consumption of the gas stove as low as possible. The aim of the invention is also to provide the gas regulating fitting with as simple a structure as possible. To this end, the gas regulating fitting comprises a sensor (34) by which means the operating state of the main burner (33) can be detected. The sensor (34) is connected to a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) in such a way that, when the operating state of the main burner (33) is switched from the on position into the off position by a signal emitted from the sensor (34), the thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) assumes the closed position thereof. The gas regulating fitting can be used to ignite and to regulate a gas flow flowing to a burner.

Abstract: Contamination rate reduction for a flame detection or sensor arrangement using controlled but flexible flame sensor activation. A flame sensor of the subject application is subject to contamination which reduces the lifetime of the sensor. To reduce a contamination rate of the flame sensor, the sensor may be inactivated for certain periods of time when the necessity of flame detection does not appear significant for the use at hand.

Abstract: Combustion instability in combustion appliances may be recognized before excessive carbon monoxide may be produced. In some instances, combustion instability may be manifested in flame oscillation, or rather, in oscillations in flame intensity as measured, for example, by a flame sensor. If flame instability is detected, appliance operation may be corrected or terminated.

Abstract: An operating and control package for at least one pressurized burner. The operating and control package comprises a controller and a gas control device. The controller is an integrated packaged unit for supplying and controlling a pre-mixed air/gas pressurized burner. A housing is provided for containing the controller. The housing is preferably located at the end of the burner manifold. The gas control device comprises a gas control valve for receiving gas entering the control package and a premix blower located within the housing for receiving gas from the gas control valve and air entering the control package. The gas control device mixes the air and gas to form a pressurized combustible mixture which is fed into the burner.

Abstract: A system of detection and analysis of gas or fuel oil flames using optical devices, consisting of a sensor that targets the flame's reaction zone through an optical access, a processing and control module, and an actuator, responsible for controlling the damper. The system optimizes combustion equipment operation by controlling the damper, obtaining better performance and reducing polluting emissions.

Abstract: A system, a method, and an article of manufacture for adjusting temperature levels in predetermined locations in a boiler system are provided. The boiler system has a plurality of burners and a plurality of temperature sensors and CO sensors disposed therein. The system determines locations within the boiler system that have relatively high temperature levels utilizing the plurality of temperature sensors and then adjusts A/F ratios of burners affecting those locations to decrease the temperature levels at the locations while maintaining CO levels at or below a threshold level.

Abstract: A video analytics system for characterization of a flare. A video of a flare may be taken for obtaining information so as to appropriately control the flare in an interest of reducing emissions not necessarily favorable to the environment. The system may incorporate a control scenario involving one or more parameters of a flare which are to be controlled in view of a flare characterization from an algorithmic analysis of the video.

Abstract: A gas appliance includes a pilot burner, one or more main burners, a solenoid valve coupled to the pilot burner and the main burners for controlling the pilot burner and the main burners, and a control circuit coupled to the solenoid valve for controlling the solenoid valve to operate the pilot burner or the main burner remotely. An igniting device may be coupled to the control circuit for being operated by the control circuit to selectively ignite the pilot burner. One or more batteries may be coupled to the control circuit for energizing the control circuit, and a thermo-couple may be coupled to the control circuit for selectively energizing the control circuit when the battery is out of electricity.

Abstract: A gas appliance includes a pilot burner, one or more main burners, a solenoid valve coupled to the pilot burner and the main burners for controlling the pilot burner and the main burners, and a control circuit coupled to the solenoid valve for controlling the solenoid valve to operate the pilot burner or the main burner. An igniting device may be coupled to the control circuit for being operated by the control circuit to selectively ignite the pilot burner. One or more batteries may be coupled to the control circuit for energizing the control circuit, and a thermo-couple may be coupled to the control circuit for selectively energizing the control circuit when the battery is out of electricity.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a gas turbine combustor is disclosed which includes a feed arm having a flange for mounting the injector within the combustor and a fuel nozzle depending from the feed arm for injecting fuel into the combustor for combustion. An optical sensor array is located within the fuel nozzle for observing combustion conditions within the combustor.

Abstract: A lighter has been integrated into portable electronic equipments such as cellular phones, PDAs, or portable game players. The lighter can be completely stowed within the portable electronic equipment so that no parts protrude out of the portable electronic equipment's housing. Thereby not only the size can be reduced but also damage and entanglement with other things the portable electronic equipment is kept together as well as injuries can be avoided. The lighter is operated by a switch which is implemented as button either on the side of the portable electronic equipment or as a GUI menu or button on the display unit. When pressing the switch button the cover on the outlet of the lighter is being removed while at the same time a cylinder is being extended and moving out of the outlet, and a flame ignited in the burner unit appears from inside of the cylinder. The lighter includes a fuel tank which can be either fixed or removable as for instance fuel gas cartridges.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling operation of a fuel-fired burner includes a housing having an air inlet which is open to an interior chamber of the housing. An air pump is positioned in the interior chamber of the housing and has an air inlet which is open to the interior chamber of the housing. The air pump generates reduced air pressure in the interior chamber which draws air into the housing and into the pump's inlet. This flow of air cools an electronic controller along with other components position in the housing. The air pump may be operated to draw air from the interior chamber of the housing and supplies the air to a combustion chamber of the fuel-fired burner to facilitate operation of the burner. An associated method of advancing air to a fuel-fired burner is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system (15) for a burner and a setting-up procedure. The control system (15) controls the air ratio for combustion using the ionisation electrode (16). For calibration, a change is carried out in a first parameter, and the subsequent change in a second parameter is observed. Accurate expected values for the change observed come from stored characteristic data that have been determined in the setting-up procedure, and from taking into account the current combustive content of air and fuel. This allows corrective measures or fault signals to be established.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling a fuel fired heating appliance, the apparatus comprising a first processor for controlling the ignition operation of the furnace and a second processor for controlling the operation of a variable speed blower motor, wherein the first processor sends communication signals to the second processor requesting a desired speed of the blower motor to provide air flow for combustion. The second processor responsively sends a signal to the first processor indicating the receipt of the requested speed for the blower motor. The apparatus further comprises at least one pressure switch, where the first processor senses an opening of the pressure switch and responds by successively sending incrementally higher speed request signals to the second processor until the first processor detects the closing of the at least one pressure switch.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety module for connection to a fuel-burning appliance. The safety module connects to the existing circuitry of the appliance and triggers an alarm response when certain predetermined conditions are met. The safety module includes a CO sensor and a processor and can respond not only to acutely high CO levels but also to chronically high CO levels and lack of adherence to service schedules amongst other conditions. The safety module can also be programmed/reset.

Abstract: In a rotary joint A including an electric signal slip ring 31 for passing different electric signals between a stator 1 and a rotor 6, for the purpose of stable transmission of electric signals in the electric signal slip ring 31, stationary side electrode stacks 38a and 38b are provided individually by stacking each pair of axially adjacent two 36b to 36e of six ring-plate-shaped stationary side electrodes 36a to 36f arranged concentrically with the axis of the stator 1 and aligned axially with each other together with one of stationary side insulating seats 37a and 37b interposed between the pair of axially faced stationary side electrodes, rotating side electrode stacks 42a to 42c are provided individually by stacking each pair of axially adjacent two 40a to 40f of six ring-plate-shaped rotating side electrodes 40a to 40f arranged concentrically with the axis of the rotor 6 and aligned axially with each other together with one of rotating side insulating seats 41a and 41c interposed between the pair of axi

Abstract: A cigarette lighter includes a reservoir for storing fuel and a head formed on the reservoir. Moreover, the cigarette lighter includes a valve for releasing the fuel from the reservoir, a nozzle put in the head for spraying the fuel from the valve, an ignition device for igniting the fuel sprayed from the nozzle, a cover for covering the head and an alarm for providing only one round of a message every time the cover is lifted.

Abstract: A portable spark tester for a gas cooking appliance includes a housing having a non-conductive base assembly, and a plurality of electrical conductive cables each having a first end adapted to be attached to an ignition wire for a respective gas burner of the appliance, and a second end which is secured within the housing at a position spaced from a central electrode. This spaced relationship defines a spark gap across which an electrical charge can jump. In use, the spark tester provides a technician with the ability to correctly identify certain non-functioning components of a spark ignition system of the gas appliance.

Abstract: A flame sensor for sensing the presence of a flame in a burner. The signal from the sensor is passed to an amplifier located adjacent to the sensor and amplified without having a sensor signal contaminated with common mode radiation. The selectively amplified signal between 15 and 80 Hz is processed by a microcontroller located remotely from the sensor and amplifier which microcontroller may terminate or continue burner operation. The integrity of the connection circuitry between the amplifier and the microcontroller is also monitored and burner shutdown occurs if there is a fault in such circuitry.

Abstract: A flame-type atomic absorption spectrophotometer forms a flame by igniting a mixture of a fuel gas and a first combustion support gas such as air and then the first combustion support gas is replaced by a second combustion support gas such as nitrous oxide with a faster combustion speed. An optical sensor is disposed near the flame to detect the quantity of light therefrom. A gas flow rate control device independently controls the flow rates of the fuel gas, the first combustion support gas and the second combustion support gas to the flame. A combustion control unit serves to switch the gas to be supplied to the flame from the first combustion support gas to the second combustion support gas, based on how much the quantity of light detected by the optical sensor changes between the time of ignition and after the flow rate of the fuel gas and/or the first combustion support gas is changed.

Abstract: Combustion variables are diagnosed using sensors to measure turbulence in the post-flame zone as well as in the flame envelope of a combustor. Output signals from the sensors are processed and a set of statistical functions are calculated which are correlated with specific combustion variables, such as the concentration of unburned carbon in fly ash. A special sensor mounting box provides reliable long-term operation in harsh combustor environment, without a supply of cooling or protective air flow.

Abstract: Combustion variables are diagnosed using sensors to measure turbulence in the post-flame zone as well as in the flame envelope of a combustor. Output signals from the sensors are processed and a set of statistical functions are calculated which are correlated with specific combustion variables, such as the concentration of unburned carbon in fly ash. A special sensor mounting box provides reliable long-term operation in harsh combustor environment, without a supply of cooling or protective air flow.