Abstract: Disclosed is a control strategy for a hot surface igniter. On the basis of a hardware circuit of the hot surface igniter and a software algorithm, a working time of the hot surface igniter is divided into t1, t2, . . . , and tn time periods. In each time period, an output voltage or an output power of the hardware circuit is adjusted by the software algorithm to make the hot surface igniter reach an expected temperature. Through the control strategy of the disclosure, ignition time of the hot surface igniter may be easily controlled. The requirements of a user of igniting in a short time are satisfied.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and apparatuses for heating a liquid are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a heater includes a base comprising a generally planar surface and at least two heater pillars and a sensor pillar configured on the base. The at least two heater pillars each comprise heating elements. The sensor pillar includes a thermal sensor. A mixing element is configured on the generally planar surface of the base and is coupled to a mixing motor. When powered, the heating elements of the heater pillars are configured to generate heat and the mixing motor is configured to cause the mixing element to rotate.

Abstract: Hot surface igniter assemblies used in cooktops are shown and described. The hot surface igniters include a silicon nitride ceramic body with an embedded, resistive, heat-generating circuit. The igniters are less than 0.04 inches thick, and when energized, they reach surface temperatures in excess of 2000° F. in under 4 seconds to ignite cooking gas such as propane, butane, or natural gas. Examples of cook top burner systems are also provided which allow the igniter to remain on after ignition at a power level that is lower than during ignition but high enough to ignite the cooking gas should a flame out occur. Examples are also provided of burners that ignite on a low flow setting (e.g., simmer) as opposed the high flow settings that are common in cook top industry.

Abstract: A method includes processing data associated with operation of equipment in an industrial process to repeatedly (i) identify one or more models that mathematically represent the operation of the equipment using training data and (ii) generate first indicators potentially identifying at least one specified condition of the equipment using evaluation data and the one or more models. The method also includes classifying the first indicators into multiple classes. The multiple classes include true positive indicators and false positive indicators. The true positive indicators identify that the equipment is suffering from the at least one specified condition. The false positive indicators identify that the equipment is not suffering from the at least one specified condition. The method further includes generating a notification indicating that the equipment is suffering from the at least one specified condition in response to one or more first indicators being classified into the class of true positive indicators.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and apparatuses for heating a liquid are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a heater includes a base comprising a generally planar surface and at least two heater pillars and a sensor pillar configured on the base. The at least two heater pillars each comprise heating elements. The sensor pillar includes a thermal sensor. A mixing element is configured on the generally planar surface of the base and is coupled to a mixing motor. When powered, the heating elements of the heater pillars are configured to generate heat and the mixing motor is configured to cause the mixing element to rotate.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a burner assembly, an electrode positioned within a combustion volume and configured to apply electrical energy to a flame supported by the burner assembly, and a dielectric electrode support extending through a furnace wall into the combustion volume and configured to support the electrode and further configured to be cooled by a coolant fluid circulated therethrough. The electrode support has coolant ports in fluid communication with a coolant channel extending within electrode support. During operation of the combustion system, a fluid coolant flows through the electrode support, holding a temperature of the electrode to within a selected range.

Abstract: This invention materially enhances the quality of the environment and mankind by contributing to the restoration or maintenance of the basic life-sustaining natural elements, by reducing the amount of carbon monoxide introduced to the atmosphere from a combustion system, achieved by furnishing a system's approach to optimize the amount of oxygen to be chemically combined with fuel upon ignition of both allowing the correct amount of carbon to combine with the correct amount of oxygen thus fully release the thermal energy stored therein.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of a climate control system that includes an igniter and a controller having an igniter relay. The controller senses a current level through the igniter and senses voltage between terminals of a second relay of the controller. In a given one of a plurality of operational phases of the system, the controller is configured to compare the sensed current level and sensed voltage to a current level and voltage associated with a specific condition of the igniter, igniter relay, or second relay in the given phase. Based on a result of the comparing, the controller is configured to distinguish between a failure of one of the relays and a failure of the igniter.

Abstract: An charge element disposed proximate to a combustion reaction is caused to carry a voltage while also being prevented from arc-discharging or arc-charging to or from the combustion reaction, by a current limiting element in electrical continuity with the charge element.

Abstract: A flame detector in photonic communication with a no-flame region of a combustor of a gas turbine may emit a signal when a photon is detected. A controller may be arranged to receive a signal from the flame detector and may determine whether a flame presence in the no-flame region is indicated responsive to the signal.

Abstract: A system for providing a combined water and fire display is provided. More specifically, a decorative display comprises a dynamic water and fire display device where fuel/air, water, and fire are integrated. The decorative display provides for unique aesthetic qualities and an appearance wherein flames are positioned at or near the surface of a volume of water. In various embodiments, the decorative display further comprises various safety features including the ability to detect and self-regulate conditions such as the existence and/or absence of a pilot flame, an adequate amount of water, and the temperature of various portions of the system. The decorative display further contemplates the ability to operate without one or more disclosed features, such as when only a water display or only a fire display is desired.

Abstract: An adaptive gaseous fuel ignition control method for use in consumer and commercial appliances that reduces stress on and increases the life of a hot surface igniter without resulting in a failure to ignite condition is provided. The method provides a preheating period, a full temperature period, and a trial for ignition period. The preheating period gradually increases the power applied to reduce the stress resulting therefrom. Once a gas valve has been commanded open, the controller monitors the time for ignition of the gaseous fuel. If the time is longer than a threshold, either the applied power or the period of time during which the power is applied is increased to shorten the time. If, however, the ignition period is shorter than the threshold, either the power applied or the period of time during which the power is applied before commanding the gas valve open is lowered or shortened.

Abstract: A system or apparatus that in one implementation includes an electromagnetic valve having an actuator rod with a first coil and a second coil positioned at different longitudinal locations on the actuator rod and being situated electrically parallel to one another in an electrical circuit. The electromagnetic valve is constructed to induce a first voltage in the second coil when the electromagnetic valve is in the open position and to induce in the second coil a second voltage lower than the first voltage when the electromagnetic valve is in the closed position. A switch changeable between a first position and a second position is located in the electrical circuit. When the switch is in the first position the electrical circuit is configured to allow current from a power source to be delivered to the second coil. When the switch is in the second position the electrical circuit is configured to not allow current from a power source to be delivered to the second coil.

Abstract: A control system for the ignition of a gas burner that include an electromagnetic valve having a first coil and a second coil, the activation of the first and second coils controlling the flow of gas through the electromagnetic valve. An ignition element which is designed to be heated until it reaches the gas combustion temperature of the gas delivered to the burner is disposed electrically in series with the first coil, the ignition element and first coil forming a branch. The control system also includes an auxiliary electromagnetic valve with a coil, the activation of the coil controlling the flow of gas through the auxiliary electromagnetic valve. The flow of gas towards the burner is allowed when both the electromagnetic valve and the auxiliary electromagnetic valve are open.

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: The invention relates to a device for touch/proximity detection, especially a capacitive switch device, which is designed to set switching states by approaching the switch device or by touching the switch device, in order to perform, for example, switching actions on an instrument. The invention also relates to a switch device, especially a switch device on a capacitive basis, for a cooktop, for operating the cooktop.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, when an electrical characteristic of an optical detector, such as a resistance, does not change by at least a predetermined amount during an ignition trial, and/or when a level of EMI or electrical noise detected by an antenna in a burner assembly of the fuel-fired appliance does not increase during the ignition trial, the control system may determine that the ignition assembly is not sparking properly. In some instances, the control system may also be programmed to activate an indicator that would indicate to a user or technician a potential problem with the ignition assembly (e.g. not sparking properly to ignite fuel).

Abstract: A system for providing a combined water and fire display is provided. More specifically, a decorative display comprises a dynamic water and fire display device where fuel/air, water, and fire are integrated. The decorative display provides for unique aesthetic qualities and an appearance wherein flames are positioned at or near the surface of a volume of water. In various embodiments, the decorative display further comprises various safety features including the ability to detect and self-regulate conditions such as the existence and/or absence of a pilot flame, an adequate amount of water, and the temperature of various portions of the system. The decorative display further contemplates the ability to operate without one or more disclosed features, such as when only a water display or only a fire display is desired.

Abstract: A ceramic-encased hot surface igniter system for jet engines is presented. The advanced ceramic-encased hot surface igniter system comprises at least one electrical resistance heated element encased in a durable, thermal and mechanical shock resistant, high temperature advanced ceramic compound such as silicon nitride. The one or more advanced ceramic-encased hot surface igniter elements are mounted proximally upstream or within a combustion chamber of a jet engine enclosure or within the afterburner section of a jet propulsion engine's exhaust. The surface temperature of each ignition element's encasement being of sufficient temperature to cause the ignition of a gaseous, atomized, or liquid fuel.

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: A control system for the ignition of a gas burner that includes an electromagnetic valve having a first coil and a second coil, the activation of the first and second coils controlling the flow of gas through the electromagnetic valve. An incandescent element which is designed to be heated until it reaches the gas combustion temperature of the gas delivered to the burner is disposed electrically in series with the first coil, the incandescent element and first coil forming a first branch that is electrically parallel to the second coil.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a gas stove, wherein the control arrangement includes a gas burner; a control element to switch the gas burner on and off; a signal transducer to generate a first signal that depends on a position of the control element; a first control apparatus to control, depending on the first signal of the signal transducer, igniting or extinguishing a flame on the gas burner; and a second control apparatus that is arranged between the signal transducer and the first control apparatus. In at least one position of the control element, a second signal is fed to the first control apparatus that simulates continuous switching on and off of the gas burner.

Abstract: A control system for a fuel-fired appliance and methods of operating are disclosed. When a failed ignition of a burner is detected, the control system is configured to enter a soft lockout state if the voltage level of a burner of the fuel-fired appliance is low during the failed ignition and a hard lockout state if the voltage level of the burner is not low during the failed ignition. In some cases, if a period of time has elapsed and/or the voltage level of the burner has increased after the control system enters the soft lockout state, the control system may be configured to initiate one or more subsequent ignition trials. In some cases, if the one or more subsequent ignition trials fail, the control system may be configured to then enter the hard lockout state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a gas type clothes dryer. The method control the dryer to continuously detect condition of a flame sensor even after ignition of the dryer, thereby preventing a drying operation from being performed when a flame has been extinguished due to insufficient gas supply caused by failure of a gas valve.

Abstract: A dual fuel vent free gas heater having at least one gas burner with a plurality of gas outlet ports. The gas outlet ports are in flow communication with at least one pilot flame burner. At least one fuel injector feeds fuel to the burner providing for introduction of more than one fuel to the burner. Optionally, an oxygen detection system, manual control valve, linkage, and/or shut off control system may be incorporated into the dual fuel vent free heater.

Abstract: A system for automatically igniting a gas lamp by sensing the presence of a flame according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an igniter, power source, relay, valve controller, pulse-width modulator, and microcontrol unit. The microcontrol unit is connected to the igniter, the power source, the valve controller, the relay, and the pulse-width modulator. The microcontrol unit uses the pulse-width modulator to calibrate a total power supply to the igniter and determines the presence of a flame by sensing an electrical resistance of the igniter to the total power supply. The microcontrol unit also controls the amount of electricity supplied to the igniter through the relay and adjusts the amount of combustible fluid supplied to the igniter through the valve controller to automatically ignite the gas lamp.

Abstract: An ignition control and method are provided for overseeing an ignition process on a fuel-fired appliance having a fuel burner, a fuel flow control valve, an ignition source, and a flame detection device. A primary processor initiates the ignition process, monitors the flame status signal and terminates the ignition process in the presence of a flame status signal indicating no flame after a specified period of time following the initiation of the ignition process. A secondary processor monitors the flame status signal independently of the primary processor and terminates the ignition process in the event that the primary processor fails to terminate the ignition process in the presence of a flame status signal indicating no flame after a specified period of time following the initiation of the ignition process. The primary and secondary processors may each have the functional capability to monitor the operation of the other.

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: Presented is a system and method for permitting concurrent actuation of a gas safety valve and an ignition trigger for igniting gas burners. The combination safety valve and ignition device for gas burners permits both the start of a flow of flammable gas to a burner and the ignition of the flammable gas via operation of a single button or other actuator.

Abstract: A system or apparatus that in one implementation includes an electromagnetic valve having an actuator rod with a first coil and a second coil positioned at different longitudinal locations on the actuator rod and being situated electrically parallel to one another in an electrical circuit. The electromagnetic valve is constructed to induce a first voltage in the second coil when the electromagnetic valve is in the open position and to induce in the second coil a second voltage lower than the first voltage when the electromagnetic valve is in the closed position. A switch changeable between a first position and a second position is located in the electrical circuit. When the switch is in the first position the electrical circuit is configured to allow current from a power source to be delivered to the second coil. When the switch is in the second position the electrical circuit is configured to not allow current from a power source to be delivered to the second coil.

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: A control system for the ignition of a gas burner that includes an electromagnetic valve having a first coil and a second coil, the activation of the first and second coils controlling the flow of gas through the electromagnetic valve. An incandescent element which is designed to be heated until it reaches the gas combustion temperature of the gas delivered to the burner is disposed electrically in series with the first coil, the incandescent element and first coil forming a first branch that is electrically parallel to the second coil.

Abstract: A control system for the ignition of a gas burner that include an electromagnetic valve having a first coil and a second coil, the activation of the first and second coils controlling the flow of gas through the electromagnetic valve. An ignition element which is designed to be heated until it reaches the gas combustion temperature of the gas delivered to the burner is disposed electrically in series with the first coil, the ignition element and first coil forming a branch. The control system also includes an auxiliary electromagnetic valve with a coil, the activation of the coil controlling the flow of gas through the auxiliary electromagnetic valve. The flow of gas towards the burner is allowed when both the electromagnetic valve and the auxiliary electromagnetic valve are open.

Abstract: Systems and methods for energizing an electrical resistance igniter are disclosed. The systems and methods determine the line voltage into the system and control the voltage being applied to the electrical resistance igniters so a first voltage is applied initially and for a time period and thereafter a second voltage is applied, the second voltage being the operating voltage for the igniter. The systems and methods decrease the amount of time required to heat-up the electrical resistance igniter to a temperature sufficient to ignite the gas while regulating the output voltage being delivered to the igniters to prevent over voltage damage to the igniters.

Abstract: “Control system for a gas cooking device or any other gas device comprising at least one gas burner (1) and, for each gas burner (1), an electromagnetic valve (2) to open or cut off the gas flow to the gas burner (1), said electromagnetic valve (2) comprising magnetic means (10, 11, 12) to keep the gas flow open, and an actuator (3) that is operated manually so that it acts on the magnetic means (10, 11, 12) of the electromagnetic valve (2), thereby opening the gas flow. The control system (20) generates a current signal (I) that circulates through the magnetic means (10, 11, 12) of the electromagnetic valve (2) and detects when the actuator (3) is operated in accordance with the change in magnetic reluctance of said magnetic means (10, 11, 12).

Abstract: An adaptive gaseous fuel ignition control method for use in consumer and commercial appliances that reduces stress on and increases the life of a hot surface igniter without resulting in a failure to ignite condition is provided. The method provides a preheating period, a full temperature period, and a trial for ignition period. The preheating period gradually increases the power applied to reduce the stress resulting therefrom. Once a gas valve has been commanded open, the controller monitors the time for ignition of the gaseous fuel. If the time is longer than a threshold, either the applied power or the period of time during which the power is applied is increased to shorten the time. If, however, the ignition period is shorter than the threshold, either the power applied or the period of time during which the power is applied before commanding the gas valve open is lowered or shortened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a burner arrangement comprising a burner plate (1) having a multiplicity of apertures (2) and a monitoring device for monitoring the formation of a combustion zone (3) extending from the burner plate (1), wherein the monitoring device comprises a cathode (5) provided on a flame-side top (4) of the burner plate (1) and an anode (7) arranged in the region of the combustion zone (3). To improve the thermal stability and thus the durability, provision is made according to the invention for the burner plate (1) to be made of a non-metallic material and for the cathode (5) to be arranged as a separately designed component in the region of the top (4) of the burner plate (1).

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a natural gas processing unit. The system having a main burner and a pilot burner operatively associated with the main burner, and temperature control means for regulating the temperature of the natural gas processing unit. A pilot valve is interposed between a fuel supply and the pilot burner and is responsive to the temperature control means so as to allow fuel to flow through the pilot valve and to the pilot burner when the natural gas processing unit is below a selected temperature. An igniter wire is operatively associated with the pilot burner and responsive to temperature control means for generating a spark that ignites fuel being discharged from pilot burner. A main burner control valve is interposed between the fuel supply and the main burner and is responsive to the temperature control means so as to allow fuel to flow through the main burner control valve and the main burner upon ignition of the pilot burner.

Abstract: A gas-powered heating apparatus includes a reservoir for storing fuel, a combustor communicated with the reservoir for burning the fuel, a switch provided between the reservoir and the combustor for turning on/off the supply of the fuel to the combustor from the reservoir and a controlling device provided between the reservoir and the combustor for controlling the rate of the supply of the fuel to the combustor.

Abstract: An appliance is disclosed that includes an electrically operated load such as a gas-fired appliance having an electrically operated gas valve. A current sensing circuit is configured to sense the current provided to the load. Based upon this sensed current, it is determined whether the load is energized. Methods are also disclosed for monitoring the status of a current sensing circuit to determine the actual operating state of the load.

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 cooking stove that prevents a burner from being ignited when a touch switch shifts from a non-sensing to a sensing state. An operation portion having a touch switch is provided on a glass top plate of a cooking stove main body which accommodates burners. The touch switch allowing a user to give instruction on actuation and stoppage of the burners and sensing an object that contacts or approaches the top surface of the glass to plate. Heating control means for determining whether the touch switch is on (a sensing state) or off (a non-sensing state) to control actuation of the heating means. While the burner is at a stop, when the touch switch is turned on and then off again, the heating control means ignites the burner. While the burner is in operation, when the touch switch is turned on, the heating control means extinguishes the burner.

Abstract: A touch switch which prohibits a child from actuating heating means, while permitting a child to deactivate heating means. A cooking stove including an electrical capacitance operation switch 10 which switches the cooking stove between an operation state in which an ignition instruction is enabled and a standby state in which the ignition instruction is disabled; the operation switch is used to instruct the cooking stove to be extinguished. When the cooking stove is inactive, a switch circuit 63 selects a resistance element 61 offering a higher resistance to set the cooking stove in a “lower sensitivity set state” in which the operation switch 10 has a sensitivity sl. When the cooking stove is active, the switch circuit 63 selects a resistance element 62 offering a lower resistance to set the cooking stove in a “higher sensitivity set state” in which the operation switch 10 has a sensitivity sh (>sl).

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

Abstract: Featured is a gas control device being configured and arranged so as to control operation of a hot surface igniter so it is warmed-up to ignition temperatures of a gas when a call for heat is made and, following ignition, to control operation of the igniter so it is capable of rapidly re-igniting the gas without having to continuously maintain the igniter at or above gas ignition temperatures. More particularly, the gas control device includes circuitry that controls energization of the igniter for ignition of the gas and, after ignition of the gas is determined to have occurred, controls energization of the igniter so that the igniter can be warmed up to ignition temperature conditions within desired re-ignition time periods. Also featured are systems and apparatuses embodying such control devices as well as methods related thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for universal control of an ignitor within a gas appliance is disclosed. The system includes an ignitor distinguishing circuit in communication with the ignitor and having a signal representative of the ignitor current through the ignitor output therefrom, and a controller in communication with the ignitor distinguishing circuit and adapted to determine the scope of the ignitor based on the signal received from the ignitor distinguishing circuit. Specifically, the controller stores a plurality of control programs for controlling a plurality of corresponding ignitor types and executes the control program corresponding to the type of ignitor determined thereby.

Abstract: A device for obtaining rapid ignition of a gas burner of a cooking hob fed via a gas pipe provided with a solenoid safety valve, with said burner there being associated a usual igniter and a knob for controlling its activation, the solenoid valve being connected to powering means immersed in the flame generated by the burner to maintain the solenoid valve in a working position which ensures gas feed to the burner, further powering means being provided to maintain said solenoid valve in said working position immediately a user activates the burner by means of the knob, without any further action on the knob by said user.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled triac switching circuit for an igniter, having line voltage and igniter current input signals to a microprocessor for determining power to the igniter. Upon determining the line voltage, the microprocessor selects from a look-up table a corresponding triac-switching sequence intended to drive the igniter to a power level proven to ignite gas. The igniter current resulting from the switching sequence is fed to the microprocessor, which determines the actual power and an offset value. The offset enables adjustment by shifting sequences, to achieve the pose level at which the igniter is proven to ignite gas.

Abstract: An electronically activated gas cooktop control system, responsive to a touch-sensitive user interface, and capable of providing a predetermined range of cooking and simmer levels of BTU output, has two complementary heating modes of operation A first heating mode of operation is provided to produce a wide selection of simmer levels of BTU output, by electronically sequencing a solenoid-operated modulating gas valve “on” and “off”, at a predetermined level of flame. A second cooking mode of operation is provided by electronically modulating the level of flame, through use of a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) output signal to produce a wide selection of cooking levels of BTU output. An igniter system capable of insuring proper ignition of gas without generating harmful electromagnetic interference is also provided.

Abstract: An ignition system for a gas appliance comprises an ignition controller that receives a current from a power source. The ignition controller is also coupled to an ignitor and to a current actuated valve that releases a flow of gas when the current is greater than a first predetermined current value and less than a second predetermined current value. Ignition safety for the gas appliance is provided by establishing a fixed range of current through the ignitor before the gas valve is opened.