Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber located adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having a floor portion with an opening; a conduit extending upwardly from and being substantially sealed to the opening; a burner located inside the combustion chamber; a flame trap positioned across the conduit, the flame trap permitting ingress of air and extraneous gases, if present, into the combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from the structure; and a duct substantially sealingly positioned outwardly of the combustion chamber and over the opening and extending along a side portion of the water heater, the duct having a plurality of openings to receive combustion air.

Abstract: In a burner for operating a combustor, the former consists essentially of a rotation generator (100), a transition piece following the rotation generator, and a mixing pipe following this transition piece. Transition piece and mixing pipe form the mixing section (220) of the burner and are located upstream from a combustion chamber (30). In the lower part of the mixing pipe is located a pilot burner system (300) which creates, among other things, a stabilization of the flame front, in particular in the transient load ranges, while minimizing pollutant emissions. A sensor (400) installed in the burner detects a flashback of the flame (80), whereupon the fuel quantity of this flame is at least temporarily reduced and at the same time the fuel quantity for the pilot burner is increased in such a way that the total fuel quantity and thus the turbine output remains constant. This measure prevents a destruction of the burner.

Abstract: A water heater including a water container; a combustion chamber located adjacent the container, the combustion chamber having a floor portion with an opening; a conduit extending upwardly from and being substantially sealed to the opening; a burner located inside the combustion chamber; and a flame trap positioned across the conduit, the flame trap permitting ingress of air and/or extraneous gases into the combustion chamber and prevent egress of flames from the structure.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a pilot burner apparatus and a main burner apparatus of a gas-fired appliance. The pilot burner apparatus draws combustion air from a first environment. The main combustion apparatus draws air from a second environment. In a shutdown condition, such as when a flammable vapor source is accidentally exposed to the second environment, the pilot burner apparatus draws air containing an undesired flammable vapor which eliminates the pilot flame, triggering a gas valve to close and shut down the fuel gas supply to the main burner apparatus and the pilot burner apparatus.

Abstract: A water heater includes a water container, a combustion chamber adjacent said water container having at least one inlet to admit air and extraneous fume species into the combustion chamber, at least one inlet comprising a metal plate having a thickness of about 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters and through which pass a plurality of ports, each port having a quenching distance not greater than about 0.6 mm, and being capable of confining ignition and combustion of the extraneous fume species within the combustion chamber; and a burner associated with the combustion chamber and arranged to combust fuel to heat water in the container.

Abstract: An automatic safety system for a fluid fuel air heating furnace. The safety system utilizes a double-sided carbon monoxide sensor for detecting unsafe levels of carbon monoxide interiorly and exteriorly of the furnace's heated air duct and a single-sided carbon monoxide sensor for detecting unsafe levels of carbon monoxide interiorly of the furnace's flue pipe. The sensors employ carbon monoxide detector chips which are electrically conductive in normal conditions, but become non-conductive when exposed to levels of carbon monoxide that are deemed unsafe for humans. The sensors are incorporated in an electrical circuit for energizing a solenoid valve which valve, when energized, opens to permit fuel flow to the furnace. Detection of unsafe levels of carbon monoxide will result in the sensors becoming non-conductive, thereby causing the solenoid valve to become de-energized and to close thereby preventing fuel flow to the furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas safety control system for supplying a gas that is forwarded from a gas supply source through an inspection meter to one or more gas appliances. The inspection meter comprises a cutoff valve for cutting off supply of the gas from the gas supply source, a detection unit for detecting such abnormal condition as gas leakage and abnormal flow rate of the gas, a valve control unit for actuating the cutoff valve when the detection unit detects an abnormality and a meter communication unit for outputting cutoff information indicating that the supply of gas is cut off by the cutoff valve. The gas appliance comprises an appliance communication unit for communicating with the meter communication unit and a combustion disabling unit for switching the gas appliance to a combustion disabled state, if it is in a combustion enabled state, when the cutoff information is received through the appliance communication unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flashback occurrences in a premixed combustor system having at least one fuel nozzle includes at least one photodetector and at least one fiber optic element coupled between the at least one photodetector and a test region of the combustor system wherein a respective flame of the fuel nozzle is not present under normal operating conditions. A signal processor monitors a signal of the photodetector. The fiber optic element can include at least one optical fiber positioned within a protective tube. The fiber optic element can include two fiber optic elements coupled to the test region. The optical fiber and the protective tube can have lengths sufficient to situate the photodetector outside of an engine compartment.

Abstract: In a cross flow type burner apparatus, a burner is provided to which a gaseous fuel and air are supplied by a blower. An air reduction member is provided to reduce an amount of air supplied to specified flame holes of the burner wherein the reduced amount of air is less than the amount of air supplied to the other flame holes. A temperature sensor is provided to detect the burning condition of flames built up on the specified flame holes. A safety member is activated depending on an output generated from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An electric control is shown adapted for use with gas furnaces which controls fan motors, ignition controls and a gas valve based on inputs from a room thermostat, limit switches, a flame probe, a flame roll-out probe, and a condensate sensor. A roll-out detection circuit utilizing flame rectification includes a multidirectional roll-out probe 16 coupled to a microcontroller (U2) through an inverter (U3) to provide both fault both protection and fault identification. A condensate sensor (20) in the form of a conductive condensate sensor member is also coupled to the microcontroller (U2) through an inverter (U3) to detect the presence of condensate build-up.

Abstract: A dual carbon monoxide detection system is provided including a gas furnace having a heat exchanger with a supply air duct for delivering heated air and a return air duct for receiving air to be heated. The gas furnace further has a gas input line for receiving gas from a gas supply line for heating purposes. A first carbon monoxide detector is situated within the supply air duct for generating an activation signal upon the detection of more than a predetermined amount of carbon monoxide. Associated therewith is a second carbon monoxide detector situated within the return air duct for generating the activation signal upon the detection of more than a predetermined amount of carbon monoxide. A gas valve is coupled between the gas input line and the gas supply line. The gas valve is adapted to preclude the flow of gas through the gas input line only upon the receipt of power. Connected to the gas valve is a relay for delivering power thereto upon the receipt of the activation signal.

Abstract: A piping leakage detecting apparatus includes a high pressure gas supply source, a gas implement connected to the high pressure gas supply source via a pipeline, and a switching device mounted on the pipeline for selectively opening and closing the pipeline. A pressure detecting device is mounted between the gas implement and the switching device for detecting the gas pressure inside the pipeline. A leakage judging device is provided to judge that gas leaks when no gas is being used and when a pressure drop is detected based on an output from the pressure detecting device, while the pipeline is being opened and closed by the switching device.

Abstract: A leak test system is disclosed for a double block and bleed valve arrangement, the system including a second vent valve disposed along the bleed line and a secondary gas supply line connected to the bleed line for introducing gas at a known pressure into the bleed line to test the valves and ensure that they are not leaking. A pressure transducer is positioned to monitor the pressure within the bleed line. The pressure transducer is in communication with a processor which generates an alarm if the pressure in the bleed line changes, thereby indicating a leak. A method for testing each valve in the arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-function controller for a water heater is advanced comprising a control panel and a plurality of sensors that monitor a variety of functions that impact the operation of a water heater. A flammable gas sensor, placed in proximity to the air intake, detects the presence of an unsafe concentration of gas and issues a signal to the control panel, which subsequently discontinues the operation of the burners. Detection of a blocked vent pipe is achieved by a carbon monoxide sensor placed near the draft hood. The control panel is equipped with circuitry which monitors usage of the heater for a specified time period to develop a pattern of use. Subsequent to the monitoring period, the controller will activate the burners a predetermined time prior to an anticipated period of high use. During periods of low use, the controller will decrease the temperature to which the water is to be heated, thereby resulting in a more efficient heater.

Abstract: An apparatus for carbon monoxide detection and automatic shutoff of a heating system is provided which includes a single housing containing a thermostat, a carbon monoxide detector, and a control circuit serially connected to the heating system via the existing thermostat wiring connections. The control circuit includes a relay with a plurality of contacts which are opened and closed to automatically control the operation of the furnace based on the operation of the carbon monoxide detector. In another embodiment, an existing thermostat is retrofitted by mounting the existing thermostat on an adapter plate containing an integrated carbon monoxide detector and control circuit. Another embodiment of the invention includes a carbon monoxide detector, a transmitter serially connected to the carbon monoxide detector for transmitting a predetermined radio frequency, and a receiver serially connected to the existing combustion-type furnace system for receiving the predetermined radio frequency from the transmitter.

Abstract: A gas-fired, simulated log fireplace insert incorporating an automatic flue damper for controlling the operational state of a chimney vent (open/closed) in response to gas combustion, an externally mounted carbon monoxide detector for terminating or inhibiting gas combustion in response to an unsafe level of detected carbon monoxide and a temperature actuated switch, disposed within the firebox area of the fireplace proximate the flue, for terminating gas combustion in response to excessive fireplace temperatures caused by a malfunctioning damper.

Abstract: Flue-draft-malfunction detector and shut-off control for oil burner furnaces automatically stops operation of the oil burner in event of flue draft malfunction and prevents further running operation of the oil burner until a meltable element in the control is replaced by an intact element. The control casing has a passageway with an inlet on its front end and at least one outlet. The control is mountable on a furnace with the inlet communicating with the furnace combustion chamber. The meltable element is removably positioned within the casing for exposure to the passageway. Two electrical conductors extend from opposite ends of the element and serve as leads connectable in circuit across two terminals of a primary oil burner control so the element completes a circuit between these terminals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for controlling a heating/air conditioning unit. More particularly, this invention relates to a control unit which detects the presence of one or more gases (e.g. CO, fuel, refrigerant or radon) produced by the heating/air conditioning unit and disables the heating/air conditioning unit if gases are present in undesired concentrations. In one embodiment of the present invention, the presence of multiple gases are detected and a separate indication for each gas is provided. An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides means for resetting the heating/air conditioning unit a selected number of times after the heating/air conditioning unit has been disabled due to the presence of a gas in undesired levels. An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides means for disabling the central heating/air conditioning unit based upon the activation of one or more smoke alarms.

Abstract: A gas vent and burner monitoring system for monitoring a gas burner vent appliance. The system includes an alarm, a first sensor proximate the burner and a second sensor proximate the draft hood. Each sensor detects the occurrence of an event and the respective sensor activates the alarm when the event occurs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for controlling a heating/air conditioning unit. More particularly, this invention relates to a control unit which detects the presence of one or more gases (e.g. CO, fuel, refrigerant or rador) produced by the heating/air conditioning unit and disables the heating/air conditioning unit if gases are present in undesired concentrations. In one embodiment of the present invention, the presence of multiple gases are detected and a separate indication for each gas is provided. An alternate embodiment of the present invention provides means for resetting the heating/air conditioning unit a selected number of times after the heating/air conditioning unit has been disabled due to the presence of a gas in undesired levels. An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides means for disabling the central heating/air conditioning unit based upon the activation of one or more smoke alarms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the early detection and relief of a closed, pressurized gas charged system, such as an ammonia refrigeration system, wherein a central control system measures and assimilates system and ambient conditions, and responds to alleviate system pressures in excess of design parameters, and, further, combusts system gasses so relieved, breaking such gasses into nontoxic byproducts of combustion.

Abstract: From a fuel storage tank (13), a filter (1) is installed to prevent any obstruction, followed by a vacuum gauge (2) and a motor-driven pump (3) to deliver the fuel to the burner (12): immediately prior to said burner, there is a pressure relief valve (11). Said vacuum gauge (2) controls the suction of the motor-driven pump (3) and the level of dirt in the filter (1). A retention valve (4) is installed following said motor-driven pump (3), with a pressure gauge (5) and a pressurestat (6) fitted with two contacts, one for maximum and minimum or service contact, and the other for safety, to prevent fuel spillage in case of a pipe breakage, shutting off the motor-driven pump (3) to which the pressurestat (6) is connected by an electrical control (7). A safety valve opens if pressure is excessive and returns the fuel to the storage tank (13) while an expansion tank (8) keeps continuous pressure in the circuits even though the motor-driven pump (3) is operating intermittently.

Abstract: The invention provides an instantaneous water heater which includes safety devices separately or in combination to prevent the explosion of the heat exchanger in the event of an excessive heating of the water in the heating coil and to shut-off the flow of gas to the burner in the event the atmosphere surrounding the water heater presents a dangerous decrease of its oxygen content or an excess CO/CO.sub.2 content, thus avoiding the risk of asphixiation or intoxication to the user. Additionally, the main gas flow control valve includes a settling chamber for separating the solid particles entrained in the combustible gas and preventing the obstruction of the internal gas passages in the gas control valve, as well as the plugging of the gas injectors of the pilot flame and/or burner nozzles.

Abstract: A method of safely controlling a burning of a fuel gas in a combustor in response to the pressure change in a fuel gas sealed in a fuel gas passage between a fuel gas supply source and the combustor communicated with the fuel gas supply source, the method comprising the steps of sealing a fuel gas in the fuel gas passage before supply to the combustor prior to the start of the operation of the combustor, detecting a pressure change in the fuel gas sealed in the fuel gas passage, controlling the supply of the fuel gas to the combustor in response to a signal representing the detected pressure change, and interrupting start of operation of the combustor when a pressure change in the sealed fuel gas is detected prior to the start of the operation of the combustor. Abnormal burning such as an explosion due to fuel gas leakage is prevented.

Abstract: A first and second sensor and alarm member is mounted relative to a gas appliance, and more particularly to the diverter housing and adjacent a lower portion of the gas appliance for detection of spillage in the form of flue restriction relative to the first sensor or roll-out sensing relative to gas fumes backed up relative to the flame portion of the gas appliance.

Abstract: A forced air furnace control system for preventing the buildup of dangerous concentrations of CO gas within a building airspace. A CO sensor is mounted in the air exit plenum of the furnace and connected in a circuit which produces an output signal when the concentration of CO gas in the plenum reaches a predetermined unsafe level. A disable control signal is then triggered through the circuit for switching the furnace to its nonoperating mode. A latch circuit is provided for latching the furnace control in the nonoperating mode independent of the disable control signal. A reset circuit is provided to manually override operation of the latch circuit and re-enable the furnace control for switching to the operating mode.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for monitoring and ensuring safe operation of unvented kerosene heaters in indoor spaces detects the hazard of incomplete combustion and the concomitant reduced O.sub.2 and increased CO.sub.2 levels in the indoor air. CO.sub.2 level in the indoor air is monitored quickly and accurately, - regardless of the burner's flame height. This is achieved by sensing O.sub.2 level in the burner exhaust which is used as a measure for monitoring the CO.sub.2 level in the indoor air and as a control signal. During burner operation outside a predetermined flame height range, the O.sub.2 detection is used both for restoring a normal heating condition and for monitoring operation at minimum flame height and to generate a warning signal and a delayed automatic shut-down of the burner.

Abstract: A leak detector for a valve controlling flow of fuel to a combustion chamber employs a fuel concentration sensor in a sensing chamber placed downstream from the valve seat. The valve has a downstream chamber which is in communication by diffusion through an orifice, with a source of pressurized air. By injecting air into the downstream chamber through this orifice after the valve has closed and then measuring with the sensor the fuel concentration within the sensing chamber, excessive fuel leakage by the valve can be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for extinguishing undesired flames in liquid fuel-burning heaters having a wick partially disposed in a fuel supply reservoir in fluid communication with a fuel tank said apparatus comprising fuel flow cut-off means for interrupting said fluid communication in response to sensing excessive heat and wick withdrawal means for retracting said wick entirely into said wick fuel supply reservoir in response to sensing of excessive heat.

Abstract: A purging system for a heating apparatus according to the present invention includes a pair of three-way valves interposed serially between a burner head and a supply of combustible fluid. Each valve is connected to a switch for switching between two modes of conduction. One of the valves is controlled by a remote switch so that the burner may be flushed manually by an operator. The other switch senses whether the heating apparatus is operating and flushes the burner automatically when the apparatus is inoperative.

Abstract: A forced air heating system having a dedicated supply duct for delivering heated air to the heated portions of the building and having an open air return system which uses the rooms, hallways, door openings, etc. of the building for returning air back to the furnace for reheating and recirculating. The elimination of a dedicated return air duct significantly improves the distribution airflow volume and thereby the efficiency and comfort of the central heating and air conditioning. The system includes a flue draft controller which monitors the flue draft at all heating applicances, such as furnaces, hot water heaters, etc., and servos a damper in a single main flue serving all appliances to optimize the flue draft for all appliances. If the flue draft becomes inadequate in any appliance, the controller shuts down heating appliances, as well as all heating system circulation fans, power fans and building exhaust fans which can affect the flue draft.

Abstract: An improved incomplete combustion preventing gas burner is disclosed, the improvement comprising: a venturi having a narrow passage and installed downstream of a mixing room in such a manner that the mixed combustible gas from the mixing room should be spouted with a high velocity through the flame holes, and a V shaped guide portion provided on the mixed combustible gas path leading from the mixing room to the flame holes. Thus, if an unstable mixing ratio occurs in the mixing room to cause an incomplete combustion, a lifting phenomenon for the flame is induced through the utilization of the high velocity of the mixed combustible gas, so that the thermal interaction between the flame 5 and the thermo-electric couple 7 should be halted, and that the combustible gas supply should be blocked, thereby extinguishing the flame.

Abstract: An abnormal combustion detecting construction for a burner is disclosed which is capable of directly detecting a variation of an oxygen concentration in a burner to positively and effectively sense abnormal combustion, particularly, that causing an excessively or abnormally increased combustion flame. The abnormal combustion detecting construction includes an oxygen sensor having one electrode arranged at a height in a combustion chamber of a burner which causes only the excessively or abnormally increased flame to reach the one electrode and the other electrode arranged above a partition plate to be constantly isolated from any combustion flame in the burner, so that a variation of an oxygen concentration in the combustion chamber may be directly detected.

Abstract: A device for detecting the diversion of gas furnace or gas hot water heater exhaust into a dwelling due to chimney backdrafting detects a sustained rise in the temperature of the gases passing through the draft-diverter orifice. A significant rise in temperature indicates that the above condition has occurred. This temperature rise is recorded only after the condition has persisted for a sufficiently long period of time, thereby avoiding the recording of temporary backdrafting conditions which are not required to be recorded. The device consists of a high temperature resistant plastic strip or other material with similar conductivity and specific heat qualities with a temperature sensitive color-change material mounted on the surface of the plastic strip at one end of the strip. This strip is attached to the furnace or gas hot water heater in a preferred location with the color-change material facing away from the normal flow of backdrafting exhaust gases.

Abstract: A safety device for an oil burner is disclosed which is capable of carrying out the detection of flame by means of a DC flame current obtained due to the rectification of flame to detect the abnormal combustion in the oil burner. The safety device includes a first flame electrode surrounded by flame of normal combustion in the oil burner and a second flame electrode arranged away from the flame and connected to an AC voltage source in a manner to be in parallel with the first flame electrode, so that the second flame electrodes cooperates with the first flame electrode to detect a failure in the flowing of a flame current through the first flame electrode or a decrease in a flame current flowing through the first flame electrode, to thereby determine any abnormal combustion in the oil burner.

Abstract: A refractory flame-gunning apparatus has a feeder, a controller and a flame-gunning burner. The feeder has a refractory-powder feeding section, an inflammable-gas feeding section and a combustion-assisting-gas feeding section. The controller controls the supply of refractory powder, inflammable and combustion-assisting gases. The flame-gunning burner has a plurality of refractory powder and flame ejecting nozzles disposed at its tip. The flame-gunning burner has a gas mixer and a combustion-assisting-gas cutoff valve. The gas mixer has an inflammable-gas passage leading to the inflammable-gas feeding section, a combustion-assisting-gas passage leading to the combustion-assisting-gas feeding section, a gas mixing chamber communicating with the inflammable and combustion-assisting gas passages, and a mixed-gas passage the upstream side of which communicates with the gas mixing chamber and the downstream side of which communicates with the flame ejecting nozzles.

Abstract: A fuel burner 2 for burning a fuel such as pulverized coal carried by a fluid, particularly air, has an inner passage for the particulate fuel-carrier medium and an outer passage for a combustion-supporting gas (typically oxygen-enriched air or pure oxygen). The inner passage typically terminates in a nozzle having an orifice therethrough. The inner passage 12 is surrounded by a jacket containing a pressurized fluid. A pressure sensor senses the pressure in the jacket. In the event that abrasive wear of the inner passage causes holes to be formed therein, fluid will pass from the jacket into the inner passage causing a pressure drop in the jacket which is sensed by the pressure sensor. The burner may then be shut down without any hazard having been caused by contact between the pulverized coal and pure oxygen or oxygen-enriched air. The burner may also be used for the autogenous oxidation or thermal cracking of chemicals.

Abstract: A safety device for an oil burner is disclosed which is capable of effectively and rapidly accomplishing the detecting and stopping of abnormal combustion in the oil burner. The safety device includes an additional flame electrode (72) which is adapted to flow a DC current therethrough when flame of abnormal combustion contacts with the electrode, to thereby detect the abnormal combustion.

Abstract: A roll-out flame detector mounted proximate to the lower edge of the outside of the flame wall between the combustion chamber and the control chamber of a swimming pool heater. The flame detector includes an elongated thermal fuse element exposed to potential roll-out flames and electrically connected in the electrical control for the fuel control valve to shut down the flow of fuel when the fuse element is ruptured by the roll-out flame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for shutting down a combustion system when a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is present in the flue pipe of the system. The apparatus comprises a connector means for connecting the flue pipe of the system with the surrounding atmosphere and a thermal switch which is in thermal contact with and responds to the gases within the connector means. The apparatus is especially useful as a safety device for shutting down an induced draft combustion system when the flue pipe of the system is blocked. Also, the apparatus can be used with a combustion system having a flue outlet vent which is also used as the outlet vent for another combustion system.

Abstract: An explosion prevention control system is provided for automatic ignition fuel-gas burning appliances to sample the atmosphere and, in response to a predetermined level of fuel-gas in the atmosphere, to deactivate the automatic ignition apparatus in the appliance and block the flow of fuel-gas in the gas distribution system.An alarm can be provided to indicate that the control system is responding to fuel-gas concentrations in the atmosphere.A latch-off switch can be provided for the automatic ignition apparatus to ensure that the automatic ignition apparatus remains deactivated until the latch-off switch is reset.

Abstract: An improved gas burner control system which eliminates the need for a pilot light for operation of a gas burner, including a pair of gapped electrical conductors forming a set of ignition points disposed adjacent to a gas burner, a sensor for detecting the presence of the gas to be burned via the gas burner adjacent to the gas burner, means for electrically coupling the sensor means to a relay, the relay controlling the delivery of electrical current to a second relay, the second relay operable in an alternating fashion, means for electrically interconnecting the points of the alternating relay to the pair of ignition points, means for electrically controlling the flow of gas to the gas burner concurrently with the sensing of the existence of gas flowing out of the gas burner by the gas sensor, the alternating relay being operable upon the detection by the sensor means of the flow of gas from the gas burner, remote means for visually indicating if the electrically controlled valve is open, and means for indic

Abstract: A sensor of inadequate combustion conditions at a main burner, comprising a small auxiliary gas burner the primary air-gas flow to which consists of a predetermined fraction of the flow of primary air and gas to the main burner plus a predetermined fraction of the flow of secondary air supplied to the main burner, with no secondary air supply of its own. The total combustion air thus supplied to the auxiliary burner is made such that the flame at the auxiliary burner extinguishes when the combustion air at the main burner flame becomes inadequate for satisfactory combustion but is still sufficient to maintain a flame at the main burner. A flame sensor at the auxiliary burner produces indications of absence of flame at the auxiliary burner, which in turn indicates inadequate combustion conditions at the main burner.

Abstract: A safety and warning apparatus for detecting gas leakages in private and work premises, is disclosed, in which the improvement consists in providing an explosion chamber in which a miniature deflagration is caused to occur in a chamber in which ambient air is supplemented with a specific gas rate of flow. The miniature explosion chamber is connected to an overlying pilot flame chamber so that as soon as the miniature blowup occurs, the pilot flame is blown out and a temperature sensing means is capable of commanding the gas cutoff, the energization of an alarm signal, or both.

Abstract: A burner cut-out safety control for a combustion heating device having an automatic exhaust flue damper. The safety controls act to discontinue burner operation in the event the damper actuator device or controls fail, or other flue blockage causes products of combustion to be exhausted through the draft diverter inlet opening. The control is integrated with an existing burner pilot safety circuit and pilot valve to cause the pilot valve to be closed in the event combustion gases begin to pass out of the flue through the draft diverter inlet opening, this condition being detected by a lineal temperature sensor extending about the draft diverter inlet opening, which senses combustion gas spillage by the resultant heating of any portion of the lineal temperature sensor.

Abstract: A combined smoke detection and furnace shut-off device is provided having a smoke detection means which is disposable adjacent a furnace for detecting the presence of smoke unnaturally emitted from the furnace, a means for stopping ignition within the furnace, and means responsive to detection of the smoke by said smoke detection means for activating the ignition stopping means.

Abstract: A gas control device for controlling the gas supply to the burner of a domestic hot water boiler has two main valves arranged in series in the gas flow path so as when closed to define a chamber between them. A second chamber is communicable with this chamber through an auxiliary valve which is open when the main valves are closed and closed when the main valves are open. A shut-off valve is responsive to the pressure in the second chamber so as to close the flow path if gas leaks through the upstream main valve when supposedly closed. The subsequent closing of the auxiliary valve when the main valves are later opened maintains the pressure in the second chamber so that the shut-off valve remains closed.

Abstract: A process for the thermal after-burning of waste gases containing combustible substances capable of forming an explosive mixture with air in a specific concentration range comprises feeding the waste gas undiluted to a flame with a concentration of combustible substances which varies between the lower and the upper explosion limits, feeding the waste gas to the combustion zone at an entry speed higher than 10 m/sec, and discontinuing the supply of waste gas when a limit temperature of 80.degree. C. is exceeded in the waste gas shortly before its entry into the combustion zone.

Abstract: A burner cut-out safety control for a combustion heating device having an automatic exhaust flue damper. The safety controls act to discontinue burner operation in the event the damper actuator device or controls fail, or other flue blockage causes products of combustion to be exhausted through the draft diverter inlet opening. The control is integrated with an existing burner pilot safety circuit and pilot valve to cause the pilot valve to be closed in the event combustion gases begin to pass out of the flue through the draft diverter inlet opening, this condition being detected by a lineal temperature sensor extending about the draft diverter inlet opening, which senses combustion gas spillage by the resultant heating of any portion of the lineal temperature sensor.