Abstract: This invention relates to a method of monitoring a burner (2) and/or a burning behavior of a burner (2) by means of a measured ionization signal. The invention consists in that the ionization signal is measured between an ionization electrode (4, 4?) and a counter-electrode (3) spaced apart from a burner surface (2?) of the burner (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a burner assembly.

Abstract: A gas appliance includes a burner, a gas valve, an igniter, a thermocouple, and a control device. The control device is adapted to execute a control method comprising the following steps: controlling the igniter to ignite and controlling the gas valve to open; receiving a detected voltage output from the thermocouple; controlling the igniter to stop igniting and keeping the gas valve open when the detected voltage reaches a first voltage value; receiving the detected voltage output from the thermocouple continuously, and controlling the gas valve to close the gas pipe when the detected voltage above a second voltage falls below the second voltage. The second voltage value is higher than the first voltage value. As such, an ignition procedure may be speeded up and the supply of the fuel gas may be interrupted more quickly when the flame is extinguished.

Abstract: A flame detection system is designed to detect leakage in flame sense circuits. The flame detection system includes a flame sensor, an amplifier, a detection circuit, and a microcontroller. Flame sense circuitry use operational amplifiers that needs negative voltage supply for its operation. Negative supply voltage properly measures negative input signals. Once a leakage current in the flame detection system is determined a shutdown signal is provided to shut down a flame sensor when the leakage current condition is determined.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a fuel-fired heating appliance having a burner, a fuel flow control for controlling a fuel flow to the burner, and a combustion air blower for supplying combustion air to the burner, includes iteratively (1) determining the quality of combustion by sensing a flame at the burner and outputting a time-varying flame current signal that includes an ionization signal from the flame; sampling the flame current signal to obtain a time record of the flame current signal; using a Fourier transformation, transforming the time record into a frequency spectrum of frequency components that include frequency components of the ionization signal, the frequency spectrum having a spectrum shaped defined by various frequency components of the flame current signal; and determining whether the frequency spectrum indicates flame stability or instability.

Abstract: Systems, tools, and methods are presented that enable a circuit to introduce a random time delay before actuating a relay to start or stop a supply of electrical power to a heating element of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. In one instance, the circuit includes a time-delay switch electrically connected to the relay. The time-delay switch has a random time delay before entering a closed state or open state. The relay is operable to start and stop a supply of electrical power to the heating element in response to the switch entering, respectively, the closed state and the open state. Other systems, tools and methods are presented.

Abstract: A programmable controller for controlling an ultraviolet (UV) sensor may adjust an excitation voltage provided to the UV sensor based at least in part on a programmable sensitivity offset in order to produce an excitation voltage that results in a desired UV sensitivity for the UV sensor. The programmable sensitivity offset may be set for the UV sensor at the factory, set during commissioning of the UV sensor in the field, and/or automatically altered over time to help compensate for a degradation in sensitivity of the UV sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is a burner flame detector to detect a flame at a farthest end of a burner using a flame rectification rod. It comprises of a rod-element comprising of an inner electric-wire, an electrically insulating material surrounding the inner electric-wire, a metallic tubular outer rod protecting the insulating material and the inner electric-wire. The metallic tubular outer rod is electrically insulated from the inner electric-wire, and a flame rectification sensor is attached to the rod-element at the farthest end of the burner, which goes through the flame. The flame rectification sensor becomes exposed to a flame and sends a flame rectified signal to a controller, through the inner electric-wire.

Abstract: A combustion controlling system according to the present invention provides a signal path for transmitting the normal combustion signal SB output from the master device to the transmission line through cascade-connected slave devices. Then, the combustion controlling system determines whether each of the slave devices outputs the normal combustion signal SB to the subsequent device based on whether there is a flame of the corresponding burner, or not, during the combustion of burners, and the master device closes a safety shutoff valve on the condition that an input of a normal combustion signal SBo from a transmission line is stopped.

Abstract: A system and method for electrically charging a combustion flame with a power supply.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ignition system for igniting a flame in a combustion chamber comprising a conduit secured to a windbox wall of the combustion chamber; where the conduit includes a fuel conduit for delivering fuel to the combustion chamber; and a single ignitor and flame rod assembly having a first end and a second end; where the first end comprises a high energy ignitor tip; where the second end is in electrical communication with an electrical power source; where the electrical power source comprises a spark transformer that comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding; a flame monitoring ignitor; where the flame monitoring ignitor is in direct electrical communication with a ground contact and with a low voltage side of the secondary winding; where the flame monitoring ignitor is disposed between the low voltage side of the secondary winding and a ground contact; and a transient voltage suppressor; that is disposed in parallel with the flame monitoring ignitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for improved gas pilot burners, which are capable of simultaneous flame ignition and flame detection. More particularly, the invention provides for an apparatus and method capable of simultaneous high-energy ignition and flame ionization detection in a high-energy igniter that utilizes a spark rod located in a fuel channel.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus. Combustion means (burner) generates flame by combustion. Air supply means (intake fan) supplies air to the combustion means. Flame current detecting means (FRB) is set at a certain detection position and detects a flame current value included in the flame which is generated by the combustion means. Determination means (control device) determines a distribution where the flame current value that is detected is included for the flame current detecting means. Control means (control device), when the flame current value is not included in a distribution, which is set as normal values, outputs a control command of increasing or decreasing at least one of the supply of the air by the air supply means and the supply of fuel based on a determination result by the determination means.

Abstract: A gas burner ignition system, includes a power circuit (1), igniter (3), a solenoid valve (6); an igniter switch control circuit (2) which is connected between the power circuit (1) and igniter (3); a solenoid valve switch control circuit (5) connected between the power circuit (1) and the solenoid valve (6); the solenoid valve switch control circuit (5) and the igniter switch control circuit (2) are responsive to delay circuit (4), so that the user need only operate the control knob without the need to hold the operating knob until the thermocouple (42) has reached operating temperature.

Abstract: A barbecue having a manual operating mode and an automatic operating mode. In the manual operating mode a user is required to act affirmatively on the burner or burners of the barbecue in order to light them. In the automatic operating mode, a controller operably controls an igniter and/or a pilot to automatically light the burner or burners without the need for a user to affirmatively act on the burners themselves.

Abstract: A flare ignition apparatus for igniting a flare having a power supply, a flare igniter, and a power-out cable for providing a spark. The flare igniter can be solar powered, and can have a water-tight enclosure, an actuating member, a coil, a condenser, and time-delay relays. The power-out cable can be disposed proximate a designated flare point on a flare stack.

Abstract: A flame sense circuit and method utilizing only a single pin of a microcontroller is provided. A flame sense circuit is used to vary the charge on a capacitor from a logic high indicating no flame to a logic low when a flame is detected. The microcontroller changes the state of the pin coupled to this circuitry from a high impedance input to detect when the capacitor is discharged indicating the presence of flame, to a logic high output to recharge the flame sense capacitor. Once this charging has been accomplished, the microcontroller again changes the status of the pin to a high impedance input and verifies that the capacitor has been charged. This pin is monitored to verify that the flame sense capacitor is again discharged to indicate the continued presence of flame. This process is repeated to ensure flame continues to be present during a combustion event.

Abstract: An automatic system and method to provide the ignition and monitoring of a pilot flame for gas burners. The circuit includes a microcontroller that acts on at least one gas valve, a flame igniter, and a flame detector circuits. The valve driver is a switching circuit able to open the valve and keep it open with power saving. The flame detection uses the ionization principle with full use of the rectification property of a flame. Furthermore the flame detection is activated for reduced times to save power. The microcontroller governs the system according to the signals that it receives from points of the circuit. The system provides a circuit realizing advanced power saving techniques to provide also a long term operation on battery powered systems. In addition the automatic control can save gas resources versus traditional thermocouple based systems by applying the intermittent pilot ignition.

Abstract: A signal generation system for flame ignition and sensing. The ignition signal generation is adaptive for improving flame ignition while eliminating excess energy usage. High voltage signals for flame sensing may also be provided. If more energy or speed is needed for ignition signal generation, then the flame sensing signal generation portion may be disabled to increase the amount of available energy. Adaptation for ignition signal generation may be guided by the results of flame sensing. The flame sensing voltage may be regulated based on the flame current strength. The flame current may be controlled within an optimum range to reduce rod contamination rate and yet provide reliable flame sensing when the rod contamination built up. The adaptation may be algorithmic-based with the facilitation of a microcontroller. The system may provide the high voltage signals from a low voltage power supply, such as that of 24 VAC.

Abstract: A time-varying voltage is applied to an electrode, or a pair of electrodes, of a sensor installed in a fuel nozzle disposed adjacent the combustion zone of a continuous combustion system, such as of the gas turbine engine type. The time-varying voltage induces a time-varying current in the flame which is measured and used to determine flame capacitance using AC electrical circuit analysis. Flame capacitance is used to accurately determine the position of the flame from the sensor and the fuel/air ratio. The fuel and/or air flow rate (s) is/are then adjusted to provide reduced flame instability problems such as flashback, combustion dynamics and lean blowout, as well as reduced emissions. The time-varying voltage may be an alternating voltage and the time-varying current may be an alternating current.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for operating a gas-powered cooking device including an actuator for moving a closure disposed in the gas feed conduit of a burner to an open state and of igniting gas emitted from the burner by an ignition electrode to form a burner flame, the ignition electrode being connected to an ignition voltage for a predetermined first interval of time, a sensor thermo-conductively connected to the burner flame for generating a sensor voltage for maintaining the closure means in its open state if the sensor voltage attains a predetermined level and of initiating subsequent ignitions after a predetermined interval of time where the predetermined level is not attained within a predetermined further interval of time.

Abstract: A cooking stove that prevents the execution of a process such as ignition of a burner when a touch switch changes from a non-sensing state to a sensing state. In STEP201, when a first touch switch, which is one of the touch switches provided in an operation, is turned on from off, the process advances to STEP202, where a controller provided in a cooking stove main body starts a 1-second timer. The controller executes a loop composed of STEP203 and STEP210. When a second touch switch, which is one of the touch switches and is different from the first touch switch, is turned on from off in STEP210 before the 1-second timer times up in STEP203, the process advances from STEP210 to STEP211. The controller performs “error reporting” by blinking a display portion and activating a buzzer.

Abstract: A heat pump type heating and air conditioning system includes a gas furnace or other auxiliary heat source and a thermostat and controller associated with the heat pump and the auxiliary heat source for automatically energizing the heat pump if the auxiliary heat source is inoperative regardless of whether or not the automatic heating mode has been selected or the auxiliary heating mode has been selected by the user of the system. A method of operating a heat pump system with an auxiliary heating source to automatically change from operation of the heat pump to the auxiliary heating source depending on conditions such as outdoor temperature, and to automatically change back to operation of the heat pump if the auxiliary heating source is inoperable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control method for gas burners for providing a gas-air mixture. According to the invention, the ionization signal is only used for setting the mixing ratio dependent on the gas quality when the burner flame completely sweeps over the sensor generating the ionization signal. Outside the above-mentioned range, i.e. when the burner flame does not completely sweep over the sensor generating the ionization signal, the gas-air mixture is controlled dependent on the previously determined mixing ratio.

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: The system (1) for controlling the combustion (7) of a cooking oven burner (2), comprises in combination a thermostat valve (3) with a rotary hand knob (4) and a non-electric temperature sensor (6) for modulating the burner flame (7), and an electromagnetic safety valve kept open for ignition, and a electronic module (10) supplying in a first moment a DC power supply to the safety valve (8), which is then maintained open by a thermocouple (9) heated by the main flame (7). A common electrode (18) is provided both for electronic flame detection and ignition. During the burner pre-ignition step, the absence of flame detection signal (If) permits the gas flow (G) to be cut off after a short timed interval, irrespective of the thermocouple response. In the event of the AC power supply being cut off, the thermocouple (9) and the thermostat valve (3) keep the burner modulated independently.

Abstract: A safety device for an industrial boiler (CHA) including electromechanical relays (REn, RS), which are connected in series in order to form an electromechanical safety chain (CH1), and at least one shunt relay (RTn) which is normally open and mounted in parallel to one of the electromechanical relays (REN). The shunt relay is controlled by an automaton (AP1) so that it is closed during a time delay. The shunt relay (RTn) is provided with a contact that is connected to an electronic circuit (CEn) and said electronic circuit (CEn) opens an electromechanical relay (RS) which is mounted in series in the safety chain when the shunt relay (RTn) is closed for longer than the time delay. Given the arrangement, in the event of an automaton failure, the time delay is ensured by the electronic circuit so that a satisfactory level of safety is guaranteed in relation to the installation.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions in a flueless heating appliance or heater includes a heat-exchanger for exchanging heat contained in fumes produced by the combustion of a fuel in the heating appliance. A heating appliance or heater without a fume flue includes a burner supplied with a gaseous fuel, an evacuator for discharging into an environment outside the heater fumes produced by combustion of the fuel, and a heat-exchanger for receiving the fumes from the burner and sending them to the evacuator. A method for reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions in a flueless heating appliance, supplied with a gaseous fuel, includes removing heat in a controlled manner from fumes produced by the combustion of the fuel so as to minimize the conversion of NO into NO2 in the fumes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the monitoring of the combustion process within a combustion system. The apparatus comprises; a combustion system, a means for supplying fuel and an oxidizer, a device for igniting the fuel and oxidizer in order to initiate combustion, and a sensor for determining the current conducted by the combustion process. The combustion system comprises a fuel nozzle and an outer shell attached to the combustion nozzle. The outer shell defines a combustion chamber. Preferably the nozzle is a lean premix fuel nozzle (LPN). Fuel and an oxidizer are provided to the fuel nozzle at separate rates. The fuel and oxidizer are ignited. A sensor positioned within the combustion system comprising at least two electrodes in spaced-apart relationship from one another. At least a portion of the combustion process or flame is between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: According to the invention, the ionization signal is detected at a first point of time during full-load operation and during partial-load operation, and for this first point of time a first difference is formed between the ionization signal during full-load operation and the ionization signal during partial-load operation. Furthermore, the ionization signal is detected at a second point of time during full-load operation and during partial-load operation, and for this second point of time a second difference is formed between the ionization signal during full-load operation and the ionization signal during partial-load operation. The first difference and the second difference are compared to each other and, dependent thereon, the state of the gas burner is inferred.

Abstract: A flame measuring device, in particular for use in a regulating device for a burner, includes an ionization electrode which is arranged in a flame region of the burner. An ac voltage is applied to the ionization electrode whereby a dc voltage component is superimposed on an ionization current that flows through a resistor connected to the ionization electrode. The flame region influences the ac voltage and the dc voltage at a blocking capacitor unequally, and allows an ac voltage component to be separated from the dc voltage component by way of a first means. The separated ac voltage component can be compared to a separated-off dc voltage component by way of a second means in order to produce a pulse width-modulated signal.

Abstract: A regulating device for a burner regulates the air-gas ratio by way of an ionization electrode. In the event of dynamic changes in output preliminary control is implemented in accordance with the invention with two or more stored characteristics.

Abstract: During start-up a regulating device monitors the quality of the air ratio control in respect of time in accordance with the invention in that it observes the difference of a signal and comparison signal.

Abstract: In a flame ionization sensor type gas combustion control apparatus, the sensor is provided with a power supply which will increase the voltage as contamination build up occurs on the in-flame sensor electrode thereby keeping a constant sensor current and enabling the sensor to perform as intended even though insulative contaminant build up is present on the electrode.

Abstract: Ceramic igniters are provided that comprise at least three zones of differing electrical resistance, preferably in sequence a first conductive zone of relatively low resistance, a power booster or enhancement zone of intermediate resistance, and a further hot or ignition zone of high resistance. Igniters of the invention can provide extremely high speeds (low time-to-temperature).

Abstract: During start-up a regulating device monitors the quality of the air ratio control in respect of time in accordance with the invention in that it observes the difference of a signal and comparison signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a burner apparatus are provided via the flame intensity of combustion reaction mixtures of oxidant and fuel gas.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods and apparatus to control the combustion of a burner are presented which overcome many of the problems of the prior art. One aspect of the invention comprises a burner control apparatus including a device for viewing light emitted by a flame from a burner, a device for optically transporting the viewed light into an optical processor, an optical processor for processing the optical spectrum into electrical signals, a signal processing for processing the electrical signals obtained from the optical spectrum, and a control device which accepts the electrical signals and produces an output acceptable to one or more oxidant or fuel flow control devices. The control device, which may be referred to as a “burner computer,” functions to control the oxidant flow and/or the fuel flow to the burner.

Abstract: A dual mode pilot burner having a control flame mode of operation and a pilot flame mode of operation, which dual mode pilot burner is suitable for controlling the fuel/air ratio of a main burner when operating in the control flame mode of operation. The dual mode pilot burner includes a burner body having a control flame holder and a pilot flame holder disposed downstream of the control flame holder, a mixing chamber having a fuel gas inlet, an oxidant inlet, and a mixed gas outlet, which mixed gas outlet is in fluid communication with the control flame holder and a fuel gas control valve for controlling a fuel gas flow rate through the fuel gas inlet into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods and apparatus to control the combustion of a burner are presented which overcome many of the problems of the prior art. One aspect of the invention comprises a burner control apparatus including a device for viewing light emitted by a flame from a burner, a device for optically transporting the viewed light into an optical processor, an optical processor for processing the optical spectrum into electrical signals, a signal processing for processing the electrical signals obtained from the optical spectrum, and a control device which accepts the electrical signals and produces an output acceptable to one or more oxidant or fuel flow control devices. The control device, which may be referred to as a "burner computer," functions to control the oxidant flow and/or the fuel flow to the burner.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a moving substrate containing a multiplicity of infrared emitters and a detection emitter and a device for supplying a mixture of air and gas to these emitters. The detection emitter contains an emitter body with a diffuser for distributing a fuel-oxygen containing gas mixture, a primary radiator having a combustion surface integrally connected to the emitter body, a first detection electrode, and a second detection electrode; each of these detection electrodes sends a signal to a control means when it senses the presence of flame-induced ionization. If the control means receives a signal from one but not both of these detection electrodes, it will continue supplying the air/gas mixture to the emitters. However, only when the control means ceases receiving a signal from both of the detection electrodes will it ceases allowing the supply of the air/gas mixture to the emitters.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for controlling the operation of a gas burner, by monitoring and controlling the stoichiometry of the air and fuel gas during the burning process.

Abstract: A flame ionization detector having a pair of spaced electrodes to which a DC voltage is applied and a flame produced between the electrodes by burning a gas whose composition is to be determined, thereby ions are produced which form an ion current between the electrodes which is representative of the gas composition to be measured. The flame detector is formed by a base plate having a first channel for inlet of the gas whose composition to be measured, a second channel for inlet of a combustion gas, a third channel connected to the first and second channels for conveying a mixture of the gases to an outlet communicating with a nozzle outlet in a ceramic plate on the base plate which faces an opening in a metal plate spaced at a predetermined distance from the ceramic plate such that the flame burns in the opening in the metal plate. An electrically conductive metal layer is disposed on the ceramic plate around the nozzle outlet therein.

Abstract: Roofing kettle apparatus for heating asphalt includes a wheeled chassis mounting a vat and a heating system for heating the vat. The heating system includes a solenoid operated valve for controlling the flow of fuel gas from a fuel gas source to each of a pair of burner nozzles and a igniter assembly having an outlet adjacent the outlet of a first combustion chamber. An igniter generates a spark to ignite gas discharging from the igniter assembly outlet. A flame sensor adjacent to the first combustion chamber outlet end senses the burning of fuel gas. The igniter assembly has a second outlet adjacent the second combustion chamber outlet end. The ignition of fuel gas discharging from the igniter assembly ignites the gas discharging through the combustion chamber outlets. The burners extend into the combustion chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus 9 for diagnosing failures in the combustion system to be installed in the regenerator of an absorption chiller is adapted to automatically prepare quantitative diagnosis data from a plurality of items of measurement data. The apparatus comprises an abnormality degree calculating circuit 2 for calculating degrees of abnormality serving as indexes for discriminating failures, from different items of data obtained by a combustion system control unit 1, a binary conversion circuit 4 for converting the abnormality degrees obtained from the circuit 2 to binary data representing "normal" or "abnormal," a condition judging circuit 5 for discriminating types of states of failures from the binary data by driving a diagnosis knowledge base 7, and a diagnosis data calculating circuit 6 for calculating diagnosis data from the abnormality degrees and types of failure states by driving the base 7.

Abstract: A process for controlling a gas blower burner in which an ionization electrode sends an electrical variable derived from the combustion temperature or the lambda value to a control circuit, which compares this variable with a selected electrical set point and adjusts the gas-to-air ratio (lambda value) to a corresponding lambda set point. To compensate the effect of a condition-dependent change in the proportionality between the lambda value and the electrical measured variable derived from it on the control in such a way that the desired lambda set point will be maintained, a calibration cycle is run from time to time. The lambda value is reduced from a value of >1 during this cycle. The maximum obtained at lambda=1 is stored. The electrical set point is adjusted with this maximum.

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: In a process for operating a gas blower burner, a control circuit detects an ionization signal Ui derived from an ionization electrode, and it adjusts the gas-to-air ratio to a lambda set point >1, to which a set point Uis of the ionization signal corresponds. To guarantee low-emission combustion in different operating states, a range of control of the ionization signal Ui is set, whose upper limit value Uio is smaller than the maximum of the ionization signal Ui, and whose lower limit value Uiu is above the value that guarantees low-emission operation. A switch-off signal is generated for the burner if the ionization signal Ui leaves the permissible range of control RB for longer than a preset period of time.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, methods and apparatus to control or monitor the combustion of a burner are presented which overcome many of the problems of the prior art. One aspect of the invention comprises a burner control apparatus comprising means for viewing light emitted by a flame from a burner, means for optically transporting the viewed light into an optical processor, optical processor means for processing the optical spectrum into electrical signals, signal processing means for processing the electrical signals obtained from the optical spectrum, and control means which accept the electrical signals and produce an output acceptable to one or more oxidant or fuel flow control means. The control means may be referred to as a "burner computer", which functions to control the oxidant flow and/or the fuel flow to the burner.

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

Abstract: There is disclosed a combustion-state detecting circuit of a combustion apparatus installed in a combustion chamber, including: a flame detector that has a heat-emitting device for emitting heat on application of an alternating current signal, and produces a potential difference between the current applied to the heat-emitting device and flame-electric current produced by ignition occurring within the combustion chamber; a rectifier that changes the alternating current signal provided by the flame detector into a direct current signal; an inversion amplifier that inverts the direct current signal produced by the rectifier with respect to a reference signal and increases the magnitude of the inverted signal; and a flame discriminator that compares the output signal of the inversion amplifier with a flame discriminating reference signal to determine if ignition occurs.