Abstract: A fully integrated electronic appliance controller for controlling the operation of a appliance (e.g., a gas-fired water heater or boiler). The controller includes an integrated intelligent control system; enhanced safety features including an igniter current proving circuit, a flame detection circuit, a safety limit string and an energy cut-out (ECO) control; an intelligent user interface including a display unit and a communications system; and an adaptive control feature. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller is adapted to receive as many as four temperature probes (e.g., thermistors). The first probe senses the water temperature at the outlet of a water heater, the second probe senses the water temperature at the inlet of the water heater, the optional third probe senses the temperature at a first location in an associated remote water storage tank, and the optional fourth probe senses the temperature at a second location in the associated remote water storage tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting the temperature of a cooking location of a type having an electrically conductive burner housing forming a heating chamber, includes a temperature sensor including an outer tube and an inner rod received within the tube, a switch base carrying at least one contact which is actuated by the temperature sensor, an electrode at least partially positioned in the heating chamber and secured to at least one element selected from the group consisting of temperature sensor and switch base, and a current measuring device having a first terminal connected to the electrode and a second terminal connected to the burner housing.

Abstract: A gas burner operation monitoring apparatus for enabling convenient diagnosis of gas burner and control problems. The invention is a temporarily attached device that collects and stores information concerning the key functions indicative of a gas burner's operation. If a fault occurs, the apparatus generates a signal to indicate to a downstream microprocessor, if such is connected, that a problem has occurred. This eliminates the need for the technician to randomly replace parts until the problem is located. The system monitors the status of the thermostat or aquastat; the presence and the level of voltage being sent to the main gas valve; the pressure of gas at the inlet and outlet of the main gas valve and either the temperature on the outside of the vent stack pipe or the presence and quality of flame at the main gas burner. The device also provides a signal in the event of a fault that can be connected to a downstream microprocessor that, in turn, can activate various warning devices.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit (10) for a gas oven including a hot surface igniter (24) which is heated through the application of electrical current to a temperature sufficient to ignite gas supplied through an electrically actuable gas valve (26). The applied current is regulated by a micro-controller (20) which controllably gates on a triac (14) while taking into consideration a sensed current level.

Abstract: Shutoff system for a gas fired appliance includes a shutoff for increased carbon monoxide concentration. A proximity sensor is associated with a thermocouple and conventional solenoid shutoff valve. Slight changes in the current resulting from temperature variations monitored by the thermocouple provide an indication of increased carbon monoxide levels. The thermocouple sensor is also preferably placed in the plenum to monitor the temperature of primary and/or secondary screens associated with the gas fired appliance. Moreover, a reflector, or concentrating element such as a parabolic reflector, focuses the radiant energy on the thermocouple.

Abstract: A fuel oil burner utilizing a hot surface ignition with an ignitor that is fully sintered and has essentially no porosity, a voltage phase regulator circuit for applying rectified half-wave AC line voltage, full-wave rectified AC, or either half-wave or full-wave rectified AC line voltage to the ignitor to supply power thereto, and AC line voltage to a blower motor, an AC-to-DC converter, a DC voltage preregulator, and a DC voltage regulator for providing twelve volts DC for operation of a control circuit that has a first time constant circuit for preheating the ignitor and maintaining the ignitor at consistent ignition temperature for a predetermined ignition trial time period and a second time constant circuit for driving second and third motor drive circuits.

Abstract: In an ignition system for sensing a change in a resistance value during a combustion of a heating resistive element and detecting a fire extinction, a resistance value of the heating resistive element is sensed by a resistance value detecting circuit at a predetermined time interval set by an interval setting circuit, and a difference between the resistance value and that sensed before an elapse of the predetermined period of time is calculated by a resistance value calculating circuit. A comparing circuit compares a difference in the resistance values with a reference value stored in a reference value memory, and a extinction detecting circuit detects a fire extinction when the difference calculated by the resistance value difference calculating circuit had exceeded the reference value. Accordingly, there is attained an ignition system which reasonably determines a fire extinction without an additional complex structure.

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.

Abstract: The gas flow and ignition of gas in a gas fired clothes dryer is controlled by coupling a soft ferrite material radiatively to an igniter element and non-radiatively to a heat sink. The temperature assumed by the ferrite material is above its curie point when the igniter element is hot enough to ignite the gas and below its curie temperature when the igniter is insufficient to ignite the gas. The change in the permeability of the ferrite material moves a magnet which controls the heating of the igniter element and the flow of gas.

Abstract: A gas burner operation monitoring apparatus for enabling convenient diagnosis of gas burner and control problems. The invention is a temporarily attached device that collects and stores information concerning the key functions indicative of an gas burner's operation. If a fault occurs, the apparatus generates a signal to indicate to a downstream microprocessor, if such is connected, that a problem has occurred. This eliminates the need for the technician to randomly replace parts until the problem is located. The system monitors the status of the thermostat or aquastat; the presence and the level of voltage being sent to the main gas valve; the pressure of gas at the inlet and outlet of the main gas valve and either the temperature on the outside of the vent stack pipe or the presence and quality of flame at the main gas burner. The device also provides a signal in the event of a fault that can be connected to a downstream microprocessor that, in turn, can activate various warning devices.

Abstract: A system for enabling an electrical resistance igniter to attain ignition temperature within a few seconds and without exceeding a temperature which could damage the igniter. The system controls the level of power to the igniter based on the determined value of voltage available to energize the igniter and on the determined value of the igniter resistance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for checking the responsiveness of a circuit which senses the presence of a flame produced by a burner within a furnace. A programmed processor associated with the circuit measures the time the circuit takes to indicate the presence of a flame. A warning is generated when the measured time exceeds a predetermined allowable time. The allowable time is determined by taking into account the decreased responsiveness of an electrode that indicates the presence of the burner flame.

Abstract: An ignitor includes a first transistor, a transformer, an ignition member, and a switching control member. The first transistor is activated in accordance with supply from a DC power supply to perform switching. The transformer has a primary winding through which a switching current flows via the first transistor, a secondary winding for generating high voltage when the switching current flows through the first winding, and a tertiary winding for generating a control output for controlling the switching of the first transistor in accordance with the high voltage generated in the secondary winding. The ignition member ignites a target object using the high voltage generated in the secondary winding of the transformer. The switching control member prolongs the ON time for the switching of the first transistor in accordance with a decrease in at least one of the ambient temperature and the power supply voltage.

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 gas fired appliance measures infrared emissions from a metal object heated in a combustion chamber to evaluate combustion. Associated circuitry uses the evaluation to control operational parameters of the appliance, including fuel and air fed to the appliance. A second metal object, prior to fuel ignition, is electrically heated to emit infrared radiation. Infrared emissions from the second metal object, indicative of the temperature thereof, are monitored to assure an ignition temperature to ignite a combustible air and fuel mixture. A fan directs a stream of ambient air upon the second metal object to cool the same and reduce the infrared emanating therefrom. The reduction in infrared from the second metal object is monitored to verify proper fan operation.

Abstract: An oil burner operation monitoring apparatus for enabling convenient diagnosis of burner problems. The invention has two major components: a permanently mounted or integral data collection unit that is connected to key points in the oil burner and a portable data reading unit. The data collection unit records and stores information concerning the key functions indicative of an oil burner's operation. If a fault occurs, the apparatus generates a signal to indicate to a downstream microprocessor, if such is connected, that a problem has occurred. The oil burner technician, using the portable data reading unit, connects to the data collection unit accessing the stored information in the data collection unit concerning the reason for the problem. This eliminates the need for the technician to randomly replace parts until the problem is located.

Abstract: A fuel control system, parts therefor and methods of making and operating the same are provided, the fuel control system comprising an ignition unit for igniting fuel issuing from a burner, and a flame detecting unit for detecting flame at the burner, the flame detecting unit comprising a sensing device for receiving an electrical signal caused by flame rectification at the burner, and an output device for cycling the signal to the sensing device in an on and off manner in each cycle of operation of the output device, the control system having a modulating unit for modulating the on time and the off time of the output device in each cycle of operation thereof.

Abstract: A fuel oil burner utilizing a hot surface ignition with an ignitor that is fully sintered and has essentially no porosity, a circuit for applying AC line voltage to the ignitor and to a blower motor, an AC-to-DC converter for providing twelve volts DC for operation of a control circuit that has a first time constant circuit for preheating the ignitor and maintaining the ignitor at an ignition temperature for a predetermined ignition trial period of time, a second time constant circuit for starting the blower motor and providing fuel to the combustion chamber for a predetermined time concurrent with the ignition trial period, and a third time constant circuit that either maintains the fan blower in its energized state if a flame of sufficient magnitude and frequency is detected and for de-energizing the blower motor if the flame is not detected in less than one second after the ignitor is de-energized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring temperature and current in a gas ignition chamber by monitoring temperature in the gas ignition chamber, monitoring current flowing through first and second ignitors housed in the gas ignition chamber, comparing the temperature of the gas ignition chamber to a predetermined temperature, comparing the current flowing through the first ignitor to a first predetermined current, comparing the current flowing through the second ignitor to a second predetermined current, inactivating the first ignitor and activating the second ignitor whenever the current through the first ignitor becomes less than the first predetermined current, and sounding an audible alarm whenever the current through said second ignitor becomes less than the second predetermined current or whenever the temperature is below the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An oil burner operation monitoring apparatus for enabling convenient diagnosis of burner problems. The device is connected to key points in the oil burner. The device records and stores information concerning the key functions indicative of an oil burner's operation. If a fault occurs, the apparatus generates a signal to indicate to a downstream microprocessor, if such is connected, that a problem has occurred. The oil burner technician can access the invention for the information concerning the reason for the problem. This eliminates the need for the technician to randomly replace parts until the problem is located. The system monitors the status of the thermostat; the presence and the level of voltage powering the ignition transformer and temperature on the outside of the vent stack pipe. The device also provides a signal in the event of a fault that can be connected to a downstream microprocessor that, in turn, can activate various warning devices.

Abstract: A fuel ignition system and method of making the same are provided, the system having a unit for detecting when an igniter has been heated to ignition temperature, the detecting unit comprising a receiving member for receiving at least some of the electrons emitted from the heated igniter and an electrical circuit for determining from the received electrons an emission rate of the electrons and for operating a fuel feeding device to feed fuel to a burner only when the determined emission rate is at a certain level that proves that the igniter is at ignition temperature.

Abstract: A fuel valve and ignitor control system in which pull-in current for a fuel valve operating on rectified alternating current is supplied through a first normally open relay whose coil is connected in series with normally open contacts of a second relay and an intermittently operating hot surface ignitor. Normally closed contacts of the second relay are connected in series with the ignitor and the fuel valve through a holding resistor, whereby actuation of the second relay provides unrectified alternating current to the ignitor and actuates the first relay to provide pull-in current to the fuel valve, and whereby deactivation of the second relay provides holding current to the fuel valve through the ignitor.

Abstract: A control system for a gas fired heating apparatus which apparatus includes a burner, two gas valves and a hot surface igniter, and which control system includes a single-pole, double-throw radiant heat sensing switch having normally-closed contacts which open and normally-open contacts which close in response to the igniter being at a temperature above gas ignition temperature. The normally-closed contacts are connected in series with the electrical winding of one of the gas valves to enable initial opening thereof; circuit means is provided to maintain the valve open when the normally-closed contacts are opened. The normally-open contacts are connected in series with the electrical winding of the other gas valve to enable opening thereof.

Abstract: A fuel ignition system and method of making the same are provided, the system having a unit for detecting when an igniter has been heated to ignition temperature, the detecting unit comprising a receiving member for receiving at least some of the electrons emitted from the heated igniter and an electrical circuit for determining from the received electrons an emission rate of the electrons and for operating a fuel feeding device to feed fuel to a burner only when the determined emission rate is at a certain level that proves that the igniter is at ignition temperature.

Abstract: A combustion detection method and apparatus for an automotive internal combustion engine exhaust burner having a spark means with spaced electrodes for burner ignition, wherein the voltage drop across the spaced electrodes is compared to a predetermined voltage level, and combustion is assumed to be present if the voltage drop does not exceed the predetermined voltage level for a predetermined number of ignition events, and combustion is assumed to not be present if the voltage drop exceeds the predetermined voltage level for a predetermined number of ignition events.

Abstract: In a gas heater, a ceramic heater is used to ignite gas supplied to a gas burner. The ceramic heater is disposed in flame while the gas is burnt such that a change in the resistance value of the ceramic heater is sensed by a resistance value sensor to detect a flame extinction. Since the resistance value is varied between ceramic heaters, the deviation of the resistance value is compensated for depending on a reference value at a reference temperature of the ceramic heater so as to detect the flame extinction.

Abstract: A burner control system conditions opening of the fuel control valve on proper operation of a hot surface igniter for igniting the fuel. Current flow through and voltage across the hot surface igniter is constantly monitored, and if either is not proper, the valve closes. A pair of diodes provides half wave DC current of different polarity respectively for the hot surface igniter and the valve actuator.

Abstract: A fuel burner includes an electrical igniter which lights a pilot burner which then lights the main burner. Operation of each of these steps is monitored, and if any are improper, the control device reverts to lighting the pilot burner with the main burner valve shut. If the igniter is sensed as incapable of lighting the pilot burner, the pilot burner valve is shut, and an error is indicated to the operator.

Abstract: A low cost hot surface ignition system particularly adapted for use in gas furnaces and the like, the system including low voltage control and timing circuitry effective to control a gas valve and high voltage ignition circuitry incorporating a hot surface silicon carbide igniter disposed in the path of incoming gas and in the heat of the flame when ignition is achieved to effect flame rectification resulting in flame sensing. The system also provides fail-safe operation or safety shutdown of the associated furnace if ignition is not achieved or in the event of a failure of a component of the system.

Abstract: A cooking unit has a ceramic cooking surface, a gas burner underneath the surface, a gas supply including a solenoid valve for feeding a combustible gas to the burner, and an electric igniter juxtaposed with the burner and electrically energizable to ignite the combustible gas issuing from the burner. An electricity supply is connected to the igniter and to the gas supply for electrically energizing the igniter whenever the valve is open and supplying gas to the burner. In addition an electronic controller connected to the valve and to the electric supply monitors current consumption of the igniter and closes the valve when the current consumption of the igniter indicates same is malfunctioning. The controller includes a digital circuit that is also typically operated by the user of the cooker to turn the burners on and off and control their temperatures and an analog circuit connected parallel to each other. At least one of these circuits controls opening and closing of the valve.

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

Abstract: An automatic device for controlling the supply of fuel to a heater which includes magnetic device units operatively associated with on/off switches, respectively, and a thermostat operatively connected to the switches, whereby one of the switches is actuated to the off position by the sensing of the thermostat for a period time of a higher room temperature than a predetermined thermostat temperature. Also, upon the off position of the source of electric power, the fuel supply automatically puts out the fire.

Abstract: A spark ignition system for a heater-type ignitor is disclosed. Current through the ignitor is transformed into a voltage which is utilized to operate a timing circuit which, in turn, causes operation of a valve permitting the flow of fuel to a burner. Operation of the valve can occur only after the expiration of a predetermined period of time and the presence of a predetermined minimum voltage to the ignitor thus ensuring that the ignitor has reached the ignition temperature of the fuel before the valve is permitted to open.

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

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

Abstract: A gas valve having a cantilevered bi-metal arm subject to electrically energized heating regulates fluid flow between a fluid inlet and fluid outlet. A poppet is preloaded for seating with a valve seat and further includes a disc member to inhibit valve teasing. Projecting fingers from the arm operatively engage the disc member to provide consistent, repetitive movement between the poppet, arm, and valve seat so that the valve is uniformly opened and closed under various operating parameters.

Abstract: An improved electrical circuit for controlling the operation of a gas solenoid valve which regulates the flow of gas to a burner. Field effect transistors, whose operation is controlled by a flame rectification circuit and/or a timing circuit, directly control the operation of a relay which, in turn, operates the gas solenoid valve, thus eliminating the need for much more complicated circuitry to effect actuation of the gas solenoid valve.

Abstract: A control module in a hot surface ignition system includes a microcomputer programmed to provide a pre-selected igniter warm-up time period for enabling the igniter to heat up to gas ignition temperature during normal system operation, and is further programmed to provide, for test purposes only, an accelerated igniter warm-up time period which is shorter than the pre-selected igniter warm-up time period but sufficiently long for enabling the igniter to heat up to a temperature sufficiently high to ignite gas. The program for providing the accelerated igniter warm-up time period is automatically executed in response to a unique signal effected by the control module in conjunction with a detachably connected test device.

Abstract: A direct ignition gas burner control system includes a microcomputer for controlling energizing of an electrical resistance igniter, for subsequently effecting flow of gas to the burner when the igniter is at gas ignition temperature, and for effecting continued flow of gas in response to current flow through the burner flame.

Abstract: The feature of the present invention is that in the control device of the combustion apparatus, comprising an operational amplifier which compares a capacitor voltage charged by a flame rod current, with a reference voltage, thereby to issue an unusual signal, the reference voltage or the capacitor voltage is changed according to the atmosphere temperature by utilizing a thermo sensitive element, thereby the comparing operation is executed correctly irrespective of the atmosphere temperature.

Abstract: An electronic ignition system for a gas burner is battery operated. The battery voltage is applied through a DC-DC chopper to a step-up transformer to charge a capacitor which provides the ignition spark. The step-up transformer has a significant leakage reactance in order to limit current flow from the battery during initial charging of the capacitor. A tank circuit at the input of the transformer returns magnetizing current resulting from the leakage reactance to the primary in succeeding cycles. An SCR in the output circuit is gated through a voltage divider which senses current flow through a flame. Once the flame is sensed, further sparks are precluded. The same flame sensor enables a thermopile driven main valve actuating circuit. A safety valve in series with the main gas valve responds to a control pressure thermostatically applied through a diaphragm. The valve closes after a predetermined delay determined by a time delay orifice if the pilot gas is not ignited.

Abstract: A hot surface ignitor element is functionally checked for continuity and operating temperature. This check is accomplished by initially energizing the hot surface ignitor element and then switching it as a single ended element into a series circuit with a source of potential. The potential is applied between the hot surface ignitor and an electrode which is connected back to the source of potential. If the hot surface ignitor has come up to ignition temperature a flame rectification signal is simulated.

Abstract: A laboratory gas burner and control apparatus including a burner assembly made from electrically conductive material and adapted for positioning on a counter. Defined by the burner is an inlet for connection to a gas source and an outlet for feeding gas to a flame. An electrically operated valve controls the flow of gas to the burner outlet and an igniter is energizable by a power supply to ignite gas emanating from the burner outlet. Associated with the igniter is an activation circuit that produces either ignition periods during which the igniter is energized by the supply or non-ignition periods during which the igniter is deenergized. Initiation of each ignition period requires manipulation of a manual activation mechanism. Once ignited, the presence of flame at the burner outlet is detected by a flame sensing mechanism. A valve control circuit maintains the supply valve open only during either ignition periods or periods during which flame is detected by the sensing mechanism.

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

Abstract: System for flame start-up/shut-down for a hydrogen gas mixture burner. An electrical probe igniter positioned adjacent the gas port outlet. On demand the igniter is actuated to heat and electrically heat a thermal switch. Responsive electronic controls actuate the appropriate valves and circuits for operational start-up. Upon the ignition of the generated hydrogen gas mixture, a second thermal probe is heated by the flame to deactivate the ignition and start-up circuits. After demand the second thermal probe cools and the circuit is restored for start-up again. A safety probe positioned in the flame is quiescent. In the event of demand time shut-down, the safety probe will activate the circuits for restart. If failure to start-up continues for a predetermined time, the safety probe circuit will effect permanent shut-down.

Abstract: A fuel burner control system including a valve for controlling the flow of fuel to a burner, a resistive heater element for igniting fuel, a power supply for supplying current to the heater element, a flame sensing circuit comprising an ac source for supplying ac voltage to the heater element, and a detector for producing an output signal only in response to the flow through the heating element of current rectified by the flame, a valve control circuit for maintaining the valve open in response to the output signal, and a coupling circuit interconnecting the heating element with both the power supply and the sensing circuit and adapted to prevent the flow of current therebetween. By utilizing a coupling circuit that prevents the flow of current between the power supply and the flame sensing circuit, the resistive heater element can be efficiently and alternately used both as a fuel igniting mechanism and as an electrode for deriving current rectified by flame at the burner.

Abstract: A direct ignition gas burner control system includes a microcomputer for controlling energizing of an electrical resistance igniter, for subsequently effecting flow of gas to the burner when the igniter is at gas ignition temperature, and for effecting continued flow of gas in response to current flow through the burner flame.

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: A hot wire type of gas ignition system uses a negative temperature coefficient resistor-ignitor element that is deenergized after ignition has occurred. The ignition and safety monitoring of the circuit is accomplished by a second flame detector means, and the flame responsive circuit that has been disclosed in a flame rectification circuit.

Abstract: A valve rod of a gas heating device actuates not only a microswitch, but also a disc valve. A pilot burner and a main burner are separately controlled by individual solenoid operated valve which is serially connected. The disc valve is provided at the upstream of the pilot burner, and between two solenoid operated valves for safeguarding against the erroneous on-state of the microswitch. A sensor will, according to the presence of the pilot flame, instruct an electric control board to continue or discontinue the sparkling of an igniter, to open or close the solenoid valve for supplying gas to the main burner. Thus, the adversity of toxication caused by either the misfunction of microswitch or failure of valve actuation is able to be prevented.