Abstract: A gas burner assembly for a cooktop appliance and a method for operating the same are provided. The gas burner assembly includes a normally aspirated primary burner, a concentrically-positioned forced air boost burner, a boost valve for regulating a flow of boost fuel to the boost burner, and a forced air supply source for providing a flow of air to the boost burner. The method includes activating the boost burner upon receiving a command and starting a timer. After a predetermined amount of time has passed, e.g., such as ten minutes, the boost burner is extinguished by closing the boost valve to prevent unsafe operating conditions.

Abstract: A method of assembling a pilot burner assembly for use with a gas fired appliance includes inserting a retention element of a gas supply line through a slot defined by a retaining ledge of a second bracket plate, rotating an outlet orifice of the gas supply line such that the second retention element engages the retaining ledge, and inserting a pilot guard through first and second pilot guard apertures defined by respective first and second bracket plates such that a retention element of the pilot guard cooperatively engages the retention element of the gas supply line to maintain a connection between the pilot guard and the gas supply line.

Abstract: A catalytic tank heater includes a catalytic heating element supported on an LPG tank by a support structure that holds the element in a position facing the tank. Vapor from the tank is provided as fuel to the heating element, and is regulated to increase heat output as tank pressure drops. The heating element is internally separated into a pilot heater and a main heater, with respective separate fuel inlets. The pilot heater remains in continual operation, but the main heater is operated only while tank pressure is below a threshold. Operation of the pilot heater keeps a portion of the catalyst hot, so that, when tank pressure drops below the threshold, and fuel is supplied to the main heater, catalytic combustion quickly expands from the area surrounding the pilot heater to the remainder of the catalyst.

Abstract: An improved ignition system is provided for use with a gaseous fuel burner on a cooktop of an appliance. A flame sensor is used to detect the presence of a flame at the gaseous fuel burner. When the flame is detected as absent for at least a certain predetermined period of time, the ignition system attempts to reignite the flame. During the predetermined time period, the ignition system does not attempt to reignite the flame even though the flame is not detected. As such, the flame has an opportunity to restore itself fully around the burner during the predetermined time period before the ignition system is activated.

Abstract: A burner igniting system includes a burner disposed in a gas stove, a pilot light disposed in the gas stove for supplying a flame to the burner, an igniting and sensing device disposed in the gas stove for igniting the pilot light and for sensing a presence of flame on the pilot light, and a control device includes two or more processing devices (MCU 1-n), a high voltage circuit electrically connected the processing devices (MCU 1-n) for being actuated by the processing devices (MCU 1-n), and the processing devices (MCU 1-n) and the high voltage circuit are electrically connected to the igniting and sensing device for actuating the igniting and sensing device to selectively ignite the burner with the pilot light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for igniting a gas flow by means of remote control. The aim of the invention is to maintain the current consumption so low that an integratable voltage source can be used. To this end, a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is opened and the escaping gas ignited by the actuation of an electronic control unit (5) fed by a voltage source. Said thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is maintained open by a safety pilot magnet (18) by means of a holding current from the voltage source until a thermocouple (22) provides the required holding current once the gas flow has been ignited or a defined holding time is exceeded.

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 hot air generator comprising a handle (12), an elongated nozzle (14), flame generating means (6), a venturi (4), a gas conduit (162) intended to bring a combustible gas into the elongated nozzle (14) and at the flame generating means (6), an air conduit (164) intended for bringing compressed air into the elongated nozzle (14) and downstream from the venturi; characterized in that the generator further comprises a servocontrolled pressure regulator (2) controlling a gas pressure (Pd.g) in the gas conduit (162) depending on an air pressure (Pd.a) in the air conduit (164).

Abstract: A micro pilot for a gas hot water heater is provided. The micro pilot provides a flame that is substantially smaller than a typical pilot in a hot water heater during standby operation of the burner. Just prior to allowing gas to flow to the burner upon a call for heat, a pilot flame of sufficient size to ensure ignition of the burner is provided. In one embodiment this larger pilot flame is produced by providing an additional amount of bleed gas to the pilot to increase flame size. In another embodiment, bleed gas is provided to a separate booster pilot, which is ignited by the micro pilot. The flame from the booster pilot is then used to ignite the main burner. This design allows for the micro pilot to be positioned closer to the flame trap of a flammable vapor resistant hot water heater to ensure smooth ignition of any such vapor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for purging air and/or one or more inert gases from a flammable gas system, such as a natural gas pipeline, are described. In particular, this application discusses systems and methods for making and using a gas purge burner to purge air/inert gases from a flammable gas system. The gas purge burner includes a burner having a gas inlet and a gas escape vent. The burner also has a continuous ignition mechanism that includes an igniter (such as a pilot light and/or an electric igniter) that is disposed near the gas escape valve. The burner also has a gas outlet that can be disposed between the gas inlet and the gas escape vent and which is also configured to direct gases from the burner to a gas measurement device. The burner can be used to monitor the amount of flammable gas flowing into the burner and to continually ignite and burn off such gas until the stream of gas passing through the burner is substantially pure.

Abstract: An automated ignition assembly for a gas-fueled appliance includes a pressure plate positioned between an upper bellows and a lower bellows, each of which is in selective communication with a fuel gas source. If fuel gas is directed to the lower bellows, gas within the upper bellows is diverted to an ignition site; as the lower bellows inflates, it lifts the pressure plate and an associated linkage assembly to engage a piezo igniter, which creates a spark at the ignition site. The lower bellows is then deflated and the upper bellows is inflated to again engage the piezo igniter. Once a flame has been generated, or if a flame has not been generated within a predetermined time period, an automated valve disables fuel gas flow to the bellows.

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly for controlling gas supply and opening and closing gas supply with a regulation function generally includes a solenoid valve assembly having a housing, a diaphragm assembly, a first and second solenoid valves, a first and second valve bodies, a first and second terminals of positive and negative poles, a first and second wire winding assemblies, a first and second “E” type cores, a first and second “T” type cores, springs, and brackets of the first and second valves, wherein a small power is required for the opening and closing of diaphragms because of the adopted indirect opening capability of this valve.

Abstract: A gas burner operating system includes a control unit installed in the body of a gas burner and connected to an electronic igniter in the body of the gas burner, the operating unit using a cock, a pressure differential device, a medium flowrate control valve and a low flowrate control valve to control the operation of the gas burner and the intensity of the burner flame, and an operating unit provided outside the body of the gas burner for enabling the user to control the operation of the control unit and the electronic igniter of the gas burner at a remote place away from the gas burner.

Abstract: A programmable burner for gas stoves, which is constituted by a gas burner and a safety valve that includes a thermocouple, which is located in coincidence with an external edge of the burner. The safety valve is maintained open when the thermocouple is detecting the presence of a flame on the gas burner and is closed when the burner has been turned off. An electrode is placed near of the external periphery of the burner for igniting. A spark generation module is connected with the electrode for generating the sparks for igniting the burner. A spark interrupter is connected to the spark generation module, the spark interrupter being located over a burner knob that is connected to the safety valve, for activating or deactivating the spark generation of the spark generation module. Finally a programmable device is connected with the thermocouple and the security valve, for programming the ignition time of the burner in accordance with a preestablished operation time by user.

Abstract: A gas furnace control arrangement includes a control unit control unit and an operating unit adapted to control the control unit, the control unit having a valve seat holding a set of solenoid valves, the solenoid valves including a main valve for fuel gas input control, a mother flame valve adapted to control a gas passage from the valve seat to a mother flame nozzle, a high flow rate valve and a medium flow rate valve and a low flow rate valve adapted to control a respective gas passage from the valve seat to a main flame nozzle, the operating unit including a power switch adapted to switch on/off an electronic igniter and to close/open the main valve and the mother flame valve, a strong flame switch adapted to close/open the high flow rate valve, a medium flame switch adapted to close/open the medium flow rate valve, and a weak flame switch linked to the strong flame and the medium flame switch and adapted to close/open the low flow rate valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a spark, particularly for igniting the gas in a gas appliance. The apparatus includes a spark generator adjacent to a combustible gas burner. The spark generator consists of at least two spark electrodes connected to a high voltage transformer. The transformer and electrodes, preferably sealed or supported in an epoxy or ceramic shell, form one easily replaceable unit. A remote circuit is operatively associated with the high voltage transformer for igniting a spark. The transformer and electrodes are located at a distance from the spark initiating circuitry and other circuitry, which in combination with the epoxy or ceramic shell provides enhanced EMI protection for sensitive remote circuitry. The ignition system may also includes a flame sensing mechanism which detects when the burner is lit.

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: A fuel enriched ignitor for a fuel gas burner appliance wherein a fuel enricher tube is provided with a coupling having a threaded insert which, by way of a metering orifice, matches the enricher tube to the particular fuel gas being used. By both two-element and three-element ignitors are disclosed. The ignitor is also illustrated in a gas supply system having a single main valve which serves both the enricher tube and the primary appliance burner.

Abstract: In a gas appliance, such as a domestic gas fire or heater, there is provided a gas ignition device comprising a solenoid actuator which is electrically operable to cause a gas valve to initiate a gas flow, an igniter which is electrically operable to ignite the gas flow, and a remote control unit connected to the gas actuator and the igniter by a low voltage line. The control unit incorporates a power supply for providing a low voltage output and a timer circuit for applying the low voltage output to the line by actuation of a relay to cause gas ignition in response to manual actuation of a switch. Such a gas ignition device is advantageous because the remote control unit can be mounted at some distance from the appliance so that none of the circuit components of the remote control unit is subjected to high temperature in use, and there is no requirement for a high voltage supply to the appliance itself and only low voltages are supplied to the inside of the appliance.

Abstract: A furnace for combustible fuels that incorporates a main igniter and an auxiliary back-up igniter for igniting the fuel. When power is applied to the main igniter, a sensor detects whether or not current flows through the main igniter. If there is current flow through the main igniter, the back-up igniter is isolated from the input power. If there is an absence of current flow through the main igniter, the power is switched to the auxiliary back-up igniter. A warning device is provided to alert a user when the power has been switched to the back-up igniter indicating that the main igniter is inoperable.

Abstract: A fuel enriched ignitor for a fuel gas burner appliance wherein a fuel enricher tube is provided with a coupling having a threaded insert which, by way of a metering orifice, matches the enricher tube to the particular fuel gas being used. By both two-element and three-element ignitors are disclosed. The ignitor is also illustrated in a gas supply system having a single main valve which serves both the enricher tube and the primary appliance burner.

Abstract: A method for providing uniform thermal output from a glow plug for use in an auxiliary heater of a motor vehicle having either a 12 volt or 24 volt power supply without the use of multiplier resistors utilizes a glow plug having two heating rods having the same electrical resistance and three electrical terminals. One end of the first and second rods are permanently electrically connected respectively to the first and third terminals and the other end of the first and second rods are permanently electrically connected to the second terminal. The vehicle voltage is determined and if the 12 volt supply is present the first and second terminals are connected to the power supply and the first and third terminals are electrically connected to each other to place the heating rods in parallel. If a 24 volt supply is present, the first and third terminals are connected to the power supply with the second terminal left in connected thereby placing the heating rods in series.

Abstract: Safety device for igniting fuel gas discharged by the orifice of a flare stack, incorporating a pilot light whose nozzle issues into the vicinity of the orifice of the flare, said pilot light which is equipped with an ignition device is connected by a supply pipe to an auxiliary fuel gas source, said supply pipe being provided with a valve having an opening position and a closing position which are controlled by a mechanism connected by a first servo-system to the detector detecting the admission of the gas to be burned into the flare stack such that the detection of a flow of gas into said stack controls the opening position of the valve and the detection of the stoppage of this flow controls the closing position of the valve, wherein the ignition means of the pilot light comprises a refractory body located in the extension of the nozzle of the pilot light, said solid body being provided with heating means for raising it and maintaining it at a temperature of at least 800.degree. C.

Abstract: Upon a call for heat, gas flows to a pilot burner, a spark generating circuit is energized to ignite the pilot burner, and an oscillator is energized. When flame appears, the output signal of the oscillator is effective, through flame responsive means including capacitor means and solid-state switch means, to enable energizing of the primary winding of a coupling transformer at the frequency of the oscillator signal. When so energized, sufficient power transfer occurs between the primary and secondary windings of the coupling transformer to enable energizing of a relay winding, which energizing terminates energizing of the spark generating circuit and allows gas to flow to the main burner.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for a gas burner appliance having an interrupted pilot burner operation. The system employs serially-connected first and second (main) electromagnetic operated valves. The first valve has a dual coil construction with a hold coil which can retain the pilot valve open and a pick coil which, acting in concert with the hold coil, can move the first valve to its open position. The control system utilizes one double pole, double throw relay in circuit with a lockout switch, the voltage source, the thermostat switch, and the cold switch contact of the flame switch. The igniter and pick coil are in circuit to the normally open contact of the relay thus being deenergized after a flame is detected at the pilot burner. The coil of the main gas valve is in circuit with the voltage source, the thermostat switch, the normally closed contact of the relay and the hot contact of the flame switch.

Abstract: An improved fluid bed furnace which includes a new and improved pilot light assembly and which is of the type having a fluid bed comprising material which fluidizes upon being subjected to a flow of gas mixture therethrough and a burner for burning a fuel mixture for providing the flow of gas mixture at an elevated temperature through the fluid bed material for fluidizing and agitating the fluid bed material. The pilot light assembly includes an ignition means for providing a pilot flame, pilot flame confining means for directing the pilot flame into the furnace fluid bed above the fluidizable material for causing the pilot flame to ignite the burner fuel mixture, and pilot flame detecting means for sensing the presence of the pilot flame and enabling the supply of the fuel mixture to the burner.

Abstract: Safety ignition means for burner installations having a solenoid of a solenoid operated valve connected to a power source through a normally opened relay switch. The relay switch has a hold coil connected to the power source and a make coil connected to the power source through a flame switch which operates, when the flame switch is heated by the flame of the pilot burner, to energize a solenoid of a solenoid operated valve for main burner and de-energize the make coil. A normally closed bimetal switch is connected between a power supply and the safety ignition means and has a heat source connected in series with the make coil. If the pilot burner is not ignited for a predetermined period of time, the heat source heats the bimetal switch so that the bimetal switch is opened to separate the ignition means from the power supply.

Abstract: Safety ignition means for burner installations having a first solenoid operated valve for a pilot burner, a second solenoid operated valve for a main burner, and an electric heater for igniting the pilot burner. The first valve has a hold solenoid connected to a power source through a normally closed bimetal switch. The first valve also has a make solenoid connected parallel to the hold solenoid through a flame switch and a second electric heater for the bimetal switch. The second valve has a solenoid connected parallel to the hold solenoid of the first valve through the flame switch. The flame switch is operative in response to flame of the pilot burner to deenergize the second electric heater for the bimetal switch and the make solenoid of the first valve and energize the solenoid of the second valve.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a fanned, gaseous fuel-burning appliance, such as a water boiler for a domestic central heating system; the control apparatus includes electrical circuitry comprising first and second changeover switches each having a normally-closed pair of contacts and a third, normally-open contact, and a third switch; the switches are connected in a particular way to actuate gas valves and the fan of the appliance in a manner which provides improved safety features.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a fuel ignition system including redundant pilot and main valves, includes a thermal heat sensor mounted on a heat exchanger or in an exhaust stack of main burner apparatus and having a heating element which is energized in response to operation of thermostatically controlled contacts to close associated contacts to effect energization of the pilot valve permitting fuel to be supplied to a pilot outlet and the main valve which is operated when a pilot flame is established, the heating element being deenergized when the main valve is operated and the heat sensor being responsive to heat from the main burner to maintain the contacts closed maintaining the pilot valve energized. The heat sensor responds to a flame out condition to deenergize the pilot valve, thereby interrupting fuel flow to main valve.

Abstract: An automatic fuel ignition system has a spark generator for igniting a pilot burner and two separate pilot flame sensing systems to provide a redundant safety check of flame ignition before the main burner gas is turned on. One sensing system includes a rectifying electrode in the pilot burner flame and a electronic flame sensing circuit responsive to the flame conductivity while the second sensing system includes a flame switch located in the flame and responsive to the heat of the flame.

Abstract: In a gas burner control system a normally closed, electromagnetically opened first valve has primary control of gas flow to pilot and main burners and the application of gas pressure to cause a normally closed, diaphragm-operated second valve controlling gas flow to a main burner to open; the first valve opens and a spark igniter becomes operative to ignite the pilot upon closure of a space thermostat. A thermostatically operated switch heated by pilot flame has a cold position through which a circuit to open the first valve is completed and a hot position through which a circuit causing the diaphragm-operated second valve to open is completed. A holding circuit paralleling the switch is effective to hold the first valve open when the switch moves to its hot position, but is ineffective to open it, so that upon failure of the electrical power supply, the first primary control valve will not open until the switch has cooled to its cold position.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a fuel ignition system for providing an interlock on start-up to prevent the energization of fuel valves of the system under certain failure conditions includes a switching device which is energized over normally closed contacts of a flame relay to close associated contacts to prepare an energizing path for a pilot valve and to energize an interlock relay which completes the energizing path for the pilot valve, a main valve being energized and the switching device being deenergized to interrupt the energizing path when the flame relay is operated in response to the establishing of a pilot flame, and the pilot valve and the main valve being maintained energized over a holding path provided by the interlock relay, the energization of the pilot valve and the interlock relay being prevented whenever the normally closed contacts of the flame relay are open on start-up.

Abstract: A fuel ignition system including a control arrangement which provides an interlock on start-up to prevent the energization of fuel valves of the system under certain failure conditions, and an igniter which is enabled when the system is activated to provide ignition sparks for igniting fuel supplied to a fuel outlet, the igniter being disabled when a flame sensing relay operates and a timing circuit of the igniter permitting the igniter to provide ignition sparks for a predetermined time duration following the operation of the flame sensing relay.

Abstract: A gas pilot burner arrangement in which only air from the blower discharge plenum connected to the main gas burner is initially supplied to the pilot burner to mix with gas being supplied to the pilot burner through the pilot gas conduit and when a flame sensor is activated to prove that the pilot is lit a valve is electrically activated to flow gas to the main burner and simultaneously provide a premix of raw gas and air to the pilot burner in addition to the gas admitted to the pilot through the pilot gas conduit.

Abstract: A gas burner control system in which closure of a space thermostat causes energization of an electromagnetic actuator to supply fuel to a pilot burner and effect the operation of an igniter to ignite it; a thermostatic actuator heated by the pilot flame then effects the flow of fuel to a main burner where it is ignited by the pilot burner. The electromagnetic actuator also jointly controls the flow of fuel to the main burner, so that when the thermostat opens, de-energizing the electromagnetic actuator, fuel flow to the main burner as well as to the pilot burner is immediately cut off.

Abstract: A fluid control system for use with combustion apparatus including a valve assembly having first and second serially connected valves positioned between the inlet and outlet of the valve assembly. First and second actuators respectively connected to operate the first and second valves function to maintain each of the valves in closed positions in the absence of a flame at the pilot burner of the combustion apparatus to prevent flow of fluid to the main burner.