Abstract: A gas burner control system includes an electrical resistance igniter, gas valve means, and a microcomputer and related circuitry. The microcomputer and related circuitry control energizing of the igniter in such a manner so that the igniter, after successive ignition attempts, will eventually, in response to a learning routine, be heated to a desired ignition temperature. The microcomputer and related circuitry also control operation of a circulator blower in response to burner flame and provide for numerous checks on the integrity of system components.

Abstract: A combustion control system includes a sensor assembly and a process controller, the sensor assembly including sensors for providing output signals indicative of process variables, the process controller responding to the output signals to maintain a desired operation of the process. The process controller continuously monitors parameters of the sensors and provides alarms whenever any of these parameters deviate from setpoint values, the process controller automatically prioritizing these alarms to provide a display of only the most relevant alarms. A housing enclosing the processor controller provides RFI/EMI shielding of the process controller including the attenuation and absorption of the EMI/RFI energy.

Abstract: A self-contained gas light control module is disclosed as including a tubular housing with a main tubular gas line extending through the housing and a normally open electro-mechanical valve in the gas line to permit flow of gas therethrough at night. During day light hours, a solar cell is activated to close the normally open electro-mechanical valve and shut-off the main tubular gas line; however, a smaller by-pass gas passageway or line is connected around the electro-mechanical valve to permit a smaller amount of continuous gas flow around the electro-mechanical valve, when closed, for low pilot flame burning of the gas light during day light hours.

Abstract: A fail safe drive circuit for enabling the relay which in turn opens the valve for supplying gas to a burner is disclosed and includes a pair of field effect transistors both of which must be operating properly to enable the relay. One transistor receives an enabling input from a rectifier circuit and will be enabled only if the alternating input signal is of sufficient magnitude and repetition rate. The other transistor is turned on and off by the alternating input signal and the gas valve will be turned on only when each of the transistors is operating in its intended mode. The circuit thus discriminates against false enabling signals such as a direct current signal, line voltage signal, a non-repetitive alternating current signal, or other spurious signal.

Abstract: An anti-bounce system for control of critical loads is provided. A control system contains two subsystems. The first subsystem functions for normal control of the critical loads, but has a relatively long information processing time. This long time might prevent the system from controlling the loads in a safe manner. The system has a second subsystem that has a very rapid processing time. Both of the subsystems are connected to the load by coupling means to monitor as a feedback signal the exact state of the loads. The second subsystem overrides the first, and disconnects power whenever there has been an interruption of power for a short period of time.

Abstract: Provision is made for sensing when the gas valve relay contacts are welded, or stuck, in the closed position and for responsively turning off the inducer motor when that occurs. This in turn causes the pressure switch to open to thereby cut off the power to the gas valve and cause it to move to the closed position.

Abstract: A microcomputer control utilizes a nonvolatile memory with an interlock. The interlock functions upon the removal of the microcomputer control from a base or from a mounting surface, and its reinstallation. The removal and reinstallation deletes memory and requires reprogramming. This prevents the removal of a microcomputer control that is protected by battery backup without reprogramming the memory. This safety function is particularly useful in flame safeguard or burner control equipment where the interchange of microcomputer fuel burner controls without reprogramming for the particular burner could create a hazard.

Abstract: A plurality of burners are provided for burning a combustible gas mixture. A conduit extends to each of the burners for supplying a combustible gas mixture thereto. A mixing device is coupled between the conduit and a source of air and a source of combustible gas for mixing combustible gas and air for flow to the conduit. An air valve is coupled between the source of air and the mixing device for controlling the flow of air to the mixing device. First and second gas valves are coupled between the source of combustible gas and the mixing device. A control circuit is provided which is adapted to be operated in a flame intensity cycle of high/low flame or in a burner on/off cycle. In the flame intensity cycle, flow of air through the air valve is cyclically increased and decreased and gas flows continuously through the second gas valve for cyclically increasing and decreasing the flame intensity at each of the burners.

Abstract: A fail safe redundancy circuit for controlling a gas valve relay in a gas fired furnace or similar burner is disclosed. The status of the relay contacts is monitored and if those contacts are in the position for enabling the gas valve prior to an ignition attempt, a gate is enabled to shunt the control side of a circuit breaking device such as a fuse to overload that device causing it to kick out or open and interrupt power to the circuit thus disabling the burner. The burner combustion chamber is purged of any accumulated gas after the circuit breaker has been opened.

Abstract: A combustion control system for an oil burner capable of precisely and positively carrying out adjustment of combustion to accomplish complete combustion during combustion operation when a variation in combustion has been carried out. The combustion control system is constructed to detect the rotation speed of the air fan 34 to detect an actual air feed rate and then determine an appropriate fuel feed rate depending upon the actual air feed rate, so that combustion may be stably and efficiently accomplished.

Abstract: A system for controlling the amount of natural supply gas delivered from a natural gas supply source to a natural gas burner adapted to continually heat a process fluid in a vessel and for enabling the gas burned to continuously automatically maintain the temperature of the process fluid within a predetermined minimum range of temperatures above and below a preset nominal temperature. The system comprises a gas operated flow regulator device associated with a supply gas line connected to the gas burner for regulating the amount of gas delivered to the gas burner in accordance with pressure of regulator control gas delivered to the flow regulator device through a control gas line, gas pressure control apparatus associated with the control gas line for varying the pressure of the control gas delivered to the flow regulator device; and a linearly movable temperature sensing device operable by process fluid temperature and connected to the gas pressure control apparatus to vary the control gas pressure.

Abstract: A pulse combustion energy system including a pulse combustor coupled to a processing tube for flowing material to be processed therethrough, the processing tube being coupled to a pair of cyclone collectors for receiving the material flowing therefrom. An optional recycling section is coupled to the cyclone collectors for flowing vapor from the cyclone collectors back to the upstream end of the processing tube. The pulse combustor includes a rotary valve, a combustion chamber, an inner tail pipe and an outer tail pipe. The combustion chamber and inner tail pipe are conical and tubular sections mounted in longitudinal compression, and the compressive forces are transmitted externally across the junction of the combustion chamber and tail pipe by a strongback assembly. The rotary valve includes first, second, and third closely adjacent cylinders defining an interior air chamber. The cylinders have radially oriented, substantially aligned apertures which define an air intake.

Abstract: An oil stove comprises a combustion wick for burning oil, a device for extinguishing the fire at the combustion wick, and a deodorizing device for absorbing or removing gases causing smells produced when the burning portion at the combustion wick is extinguished. The deodorizing device comprises gas sensing means for detecting the generation of the gas, and suction means responsive to the gas sensing means for absorbing or removing the gas.

Abstract: A carburetion type burning apparatus having a carburetion chamber for evaporating liquid fuel which comprises a timer for counting time from the initiation of burning operation, an ion current detecting device for measuring an ion current (if) at the time after a predetermined time counted by said timer in which the ion current in flames is stabilized, a judging device for judging existence or non-existence of an abnormal burning state by comparing the measured ion current (if) and a predetermined threshold value of ion current which causes abnormal burning condition, and an alarming device for generating an alarm when said judging device provides judgment of abnormal condition.

Abstract: A carburetion type burning apparatus comprises a fuel tank, a pump for feeding fuel in the tank, a carburetion chamber for evaporating the fuel, a nozzle for ejecting fuel gas from the carburetion chamber, a burner and a needle for opening and closing the nozzle, in which the needle closes the nozzle at a predetermined time after operation of the pump in stopped.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for heating fluid by burning liquid fuel is disclosed. To heat fluid such as water, air or the like medium heat exchanging is effected between the combustion chamber in which liquid fuel is burnt with combustion air introduced therein and the fluid passage through which fluid to be heated flows. The apparatus includes means for controlling rotational speed of a single motor for rotating the fuel pump and the blower, means for controlling a flow rate of fuel to be pumped from the fuel pump, means for controlling a flow rate of combustion air and an electronic control unit into which a variety of parameters relative to the above-mentioned means are inputted. The parameters are processed in the electronic control unit to individually control the means for controlling rotational speed of the motor, the means for controlling a flow rate of fuel and the means for controlling a flow rate of combustion whereby heat exchanging therebetween is achieved without fluctuation in temperature of fluid.

Abstract: A furnace (A) defines a combustion chamber (10) in which a pair of burners (B) are mounted for oxidizing the fuel to heat the combustion chamber. An air blower (12) supplies air to the burners at a rate controlled by a rate control valve (18). A frequency modulated burner control system (C) controls the duty cycle of the burners, i.e. cyclically actuates the burner at a fixed burn rate and then deactuates them. The burner control system varies the actuation to deactuation ratio in each cycle to vary the thermal input to the combustion chamber. The burners provide two - stage combustion wherein a fuel rich mixture is partially oxidized in a first stage combustion area (44). Additional air which is thereafter introduced through air passages (50, 52) completes the combustion.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring flames is provided with means for sampling both the value of a flame and the period of time during which a flame remains above a given intensity level during start-up. Flame-off delay means is also provided in combination with means for delaying a flame-on indication, means for segregating the respective operations thereof, and means for maintaining the durations of the flame-on and flame-off delays in fixed proportional relationship.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reaching and maintaining a desired fuel-to-air ratio in a combustion system. The system comprises apparatus for monitoring information related to fuel-to-air ratio. The system further comprises apparatus for waiting to adjust a set point of the fuel-to-air ratio until after the passage of a predetermined period of time following the onset of a particular flame-on period. The apparatus for waiting comprises apparatus for waiting again to adjust the set point of the fuel-to-air ratio as required only after the occurrence of either of the two following events, whichever occurs first: the passage of a predetermined period of time after the previous adjustment of fuel-to-air ratio; or the passage of a predetermined period of time following the onset of the flame-on period occurring subsequent to the flame-on period in which the fuel-to-air ratio was last adjusted.

Abstract: A direct ignition gas burner control system includes an igniter, two serially-arranged gas valves for controlling the flow of gas to the burner, and a microcomputer and related circuitry for controlling energizing of the igniter and valves. The microcomputer and its related circuitry provide for numerous options in system functions and for numerous checks on the integrity of the system components.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a dental gas burner is disclosed which is capable of variably setting combustion time of the burner as desired. The control apparatus comprises a circuit for operating a solenoid valve provided at a fuel gas supply pipe, a circuit for igniting fuel gas ejected from a burner nozzle, a command circuit including a touch sensor and generating a pulse every touch with respect to the touch sensor, a combustion time setting circuit acting to count pulses of the command circuit to set combustion time corresponding to the number of counted pulses to open the valve during the time, and a timing circuit for supplying to the combustion time setting circuit a count signal required for counting the pulses.

Abstract: A burner control system for gas fired apparatus of the powered blower vent type wherein a diaphagm valve for controlling the supply of gas to the main burner of the apparatus is operated by a gas bleed line which is subject to pressure regulation by a servo regulator valve. The bleed line is also subject to on-off control by pneumatically operated bleed valve means which are responsive to the subatmospheric fluid pressure produced in the exhaust vent of the apparatus by an exhaust blower to permit opening of the diaphragm valve only when the fluid pressure level within the exhaust vent is sufficiently below atmospheric pressure. The control system preferably includes switching circuit means which are effective to energize the exhaust blower only during the existence of a pilot burner flame adequate to ignite the main burner.

Abstract: A system for controlling the amount of natural supply gas delivered from a natural gas supply source to a natural gas burner adapted to continually heat a process fluid in a vessel and for enabling the gas burner to continuously automatically maintain the temperature of the process fluid within a predetermined minimum range of temperatures above and below a preset nominal temperature. The system comprises a gas operated flow regulator device associated with a supply gas line connected to the gas burner for regulating the amount of gas delivered to the gas burner in accordance with pressure of regulator control gas delivered to the flow regulator device through a control gas line, gas pressure control apparatus associated with the control gas line for varying the pressure of the control gas delivered to the flow regulator device; and a linearly movable temperature sensing device operable by process fluid temperature and connected to the gas pressure control apparatus to vary the control gas pressure.

Abstract: The high fire and low fire switches normally operated by a damper in a fuel burner installation are verified by a switch test function. In the event that the switches are malfunctioning, the fuel burner sequence is extended to compensate, or the sequence is terminated and annunciated. The extension of the sequence is accomplished by a time sequencer alteration means that is part of a flame safeguard sequencer.

Abstract: A flame safeguard sequencer incorporates an interlock checking means that verifies the proper status of the start or preignition interlocks in the burner system and the run interlocks of the burner system. In the event that an interlock opens during a period of time when it should not be open, the system can limit the operation of the sequence to a short time period (typically 30 seconds) to allow the interlock to reestablish a normal running state. If the correct state is reestablished, the system continues normal operation. If the correct state is not reestablished, the system is shut down on safety and a coded fault-hold indicator advises a serviceman of where to find the problem.

Abstract: A purge time hold circuit is provided in a flame safeguard sequencer to in turn provide a safe start check of a burner control system. If a flame is indicated during a prepurge period, the purge time hold means will reset to a zero status and the timer will hold until the signal clears itself. If the flame signal does not clear itself within a preset time, a safety shut down will be commanded.

Abstract: A hydronic type of heating system is operated by a burner control system that relies on measuring the boiler water temperature and comparing the temperature change with a rate of rise set into a burner control means to determine whether the boiler is being properly operated. This system allows for heating the boiler water to a sufficient temperature before circulating the water through the heat exchange means to thereby prevent condensation on the outside of the boiler heat exchanger to eliminate rusting.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for controlling the flow of a fluid to a fluid-actuated system. The system is controlled by a sensor which senses a variable characteristic of the system, such as the air temperature. The apparatus includes a pair of solenoid valves, one valve being set to deliver a first volume of fluid per unit time and the other valve being set to deliver a second volume of fluid per unit time. The solenoid coil of one of the valves responds to the actuation and de-actuation of the sensor. The second valve has a solenoid coil controlled by a pair of switches. One of the switches is responsive to a first timing signal and the second switch is responsive to a second timing signal. One of the switches allows the second valve to be open for a first time interval during which the first valve is open; thereafter, the second valve is closed.

Abstract: In order to provide a controller which is readily adaptable for use with a plurality of different heaters, an arrangement is provided for storing a plurality of control and regulation programs for the operation of a plurality of different heaters. Based on selection instructions identifying a particular heater, an appropriate control and regulation program can be selected from among said plurality of programs. The controller then provides suitable control and regulation signals to said heater in accordance with the selected program.

Abstract: An intermittent gas pilot system utilizing a flame signal simulating circuit means provides for both dynamic as well as static safe start checking for the system. A simulated flame signal is provided so that the relays contained within the system must be checked dynamically before the system will allow the opening of the main gas valve.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to pulse combustion apparatus generally and to air furnaces of the pulse combustion type. In one aspect, the invention provides a furnace which includes a combustion chamber and an exhaust system disposed in a passageway for air to be heated. The exhaust system includes a primary exhaust pipe, a manifold to which the primary exhaust pipe is coupled, and a plurality of heat exchange pipes which extend from the manifold across the air passageway. The primary exhaust pipe, manifold and heat exchange pipes form a reasonant system with the combustion chamber so that the ignition of successive fuel charges in the chamber causes pressure waves to oscillate throughout said exhaust system including the heat exchange pipes for promoting transfer of heat from the pipes to air flowing through the passageway in use.

Abstract: A refractory lined firebox is encased in a low profile furnace shell of generally rectangular configuration. Mounted on top of the firebox within the furnace shell is a heat exchanger which provides alternating passageways at right angles to one another through which flue gas and air to be heated flow in heat exchange relationship. The heat exchanger and firebox are so related that the axes of the passageways are inclined from the horizontal and the flow through them is generally upward as well as lateral. The furnace includes special combustion air ducts for use in combustion of the solid fuel. The furnace is also equipped with a back-up liquid fuel burner and a control system which activates and operates the liquid fuel burner in response to total consumption or burn out of the solid fuel in the firebox.

Abstract: There is described a programmable gas flow control apparatus for use in atomic absorption spectroscopy. Essentially, an all pneumatic system is described which provides for a predetermined flow of fuel and oxidant to the burner. The invention compensates for the variation in oxidant flow due to nebulizer adjustments by adjusting the oxidant flow to the auxiliary inlet of the burner. The invention utilizes a pneumatic computing relay which senses the oxidant flow to the nebulizer and simultaneously adjusts the flow to the auxiliary inlet so that the total flow of oxidant satisfies the predetermined optimum rate. The constant monitoring of the nebulizer line by the computing relay allows for continual adjustment of the oxidant flow to offset subsequent adjustments.

Abstract: A pilot gas conservation system for flare stacks is provided in which the activation and control of the pilot gas burners is determined by the wind conditions so that if no flare gas is flowing the pilot burners are shut down and with moderate and minor wind conditions the supply of pilot gas is maintained at a lower level than that required for higher wind velocities. A flow responsive switch is provided to determine the flow of waste combustible gas to the stack so that, if required, the effect of the wind speed determines the pilot gas flow.

Abstract: A method of independently adjusting the fuel mixture composition and heating rate for a multiburner shaft furnace for the melting of metal, particularly copper and its alloys, fed in lump form to the shaft furnace, in which the burners are supplied with air and fuel gas and the heating rate is adjusted by controlling the pressure of one of the components of the fuel mixture (air or gas) in the manifold for supplying this component to a group of burners. The other fuel mixture component has its pressure controlled in its manifold by a single controller constituted by a pressure ratio controller.

Abstract: There has been provided a burner control system including apparatus adapted for controlling fuel burner systems for firing furnace sections of steam generators in accordance with any one of a plurality of predetermined subsystem specifications such as fuel safety, ignition and shutdown sequences. The system includes a plurality of sets of logical function means (LFM) having inputs and outputs, responsive to selected ones of the parameters of the system for producing output control and indication signals respectively. Each LFM comprises one solid state control circuit card for performing each logical function in accordance with the specification such as fuel trip, burner ignition and shutdown etc. Each control circuit card is fabricated to include functional logic circuits of the AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc.

Abstract: A burner comprises means for directing combustion air into a combustion space for ignition with fuel which is directed into the space by an electromagnetic fuel pump which is operated off the shaft of a blower motor through the operation of a rotatably perforated disc which is rotated by the shaft to operate a photoelectric switching device for intermittently actuating the electromagnet of the fuel pump.