Abstract: A system and method of operating a water heater controller that includes a powered vent electronic control circuit including a controller configured to control an operation of heating device having a powered draft inducer, a gas valve assembly configured to control a flow of a fuel gas to a burner of a heating device, and a switch assembly including a switch in each leg of a plurality of legs of a power supply to the gas valve assembly, the switch assembly configured to supply power and a return to the gas valve assembly in a first position and to open the plurality of legs of the power supply to the gas valve assembly in a second position, the switch assembly configured to indicate a position of the switch assembly to the controller.

Abstract: A device, according to one embodiment, includes a fuse, and a resistor electrically coupled directly to the fuse in series therewith. A hybrid device, according to another embodiment, includes a fuse, and a resistor electrically coupled directly to the fuse in series therewith in a single package. A resistance of the resistor is 1 ohm or less, and is substantially temperature insensitive.

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: 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: 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 gas cooking hob comprising a number of gas burners, each of which is connected to a main gas pipe via a gas pipe section, and a main switch. The main gas pipe or the gas pipe section is open to supply gas to the gas burners when the main switch is actuated while a gas supply to the gas burners is interrupted when the main switch is actuated once again. In order to be able to jointly interrupt gas supply to all gas burners even without the user acting directly upon the main switch, a timing member is assigned to the main switch in order to adjust an interval after which the main switch closes automatically.

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: A safety circuit 31, which compulsorily closes an on-off valve for supplying a gas to a burner when a microcomputer for performing a combustion control is in an abnormal condition, does not operate unless abnormality occurs to the microcomputer 1, and therefore even when the safety circuit 31 is out of order, an ignition operation is performed as it is. A transistor 4 is not turned off until a fixed time elapses from a start of an ignition sequence in the safety circuit 31, but the fixed time is shortened by a timer acceleration circuit 32, and if the transistor 4 is turned off by a transistor 2 being turned on, the safety circuit 31 is determined as normal, so that the normal ignition sequence is executed thereafter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oil burner system having an electric cord set coupled between a controller and a valve associated with a pump. The electric cord set is operable to activate a solenoid valve associated with the pump for delivery of fuel oil to a nozzle of the burner. The electric cord set comprises a voltage or temperature independent timer circuit operable to activate the solenoid valve a predetermined period of time after a call for ignition signal is generated by the controller, wherein the predetermined time period is substantially constant with respect to variations in line voltage or in an ambient temperature in which the oil burner system resides.

Abstract: A water heater control system that prevents the accumulation and accidental ignition of dangerous quantities of unwanted flammable vapors. The system intermittently generates a spark at a predetermined interval such that if unwanted flammable vapors are present, they are burned in a controlled manner. The system obviates the need for flammable vapor sensors.

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 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: An ignitor controller and method of providing the same triggers an ignitor switch of a gas appliance, such as a furnace, subsequent to the zero-crossing of the line voltage, but before the voltage exceeds +/−five volts. This effectively reduces EMI levels caused by the constant triggering of AC line voltage to the ignitor switch after +/−five volts, which constant triggering is needed to properly operate ignitors (e.g., silicon nitride ignitors) in electronic ignition systems. The controller includes a voltage detector circuit (i.e., a two transistor circuit), a series switch (i.e., a darlington array) and an energy storage device (i.e., a capacitor), which trigger the ignitor switch (e.g., a triac) sufficiently close to the line voltage zero-crossing to reduce line conducted interference.

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.

Abstract: An ignition system for a gas appliance comprises an ignitor for igniting gas, a gas valve which controls the flow of gas to the ignitor, and a delay switch which delays the opening of the gas valve. The delay switch comprises a piston and a cylinder which define a chamber. The piston moves between a first position and a second position in the cylinder. The piston is coupled to the gas valve such that when the piston reaches the second position, the gas valve is opened. The chamber includes a large aperture and a small aperture which influence the rate at which the piston moves. The large aperture includes a sealing member which seals the large aperture when the piston moves from the first position to the second position to resist the motion of the piston. The large aperture is opened when the piston moves in the other direction. The delay switch is connected to the ignitor such that when the ignitor is turned on, the piston moves against air resistance and delays the opening of the gas valve.

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: An ignition circuit and method for a hot surface ignitor. The ignition process and apparatus enforces a short warm-up period for the hot surface ignitor where approximately half power is supplied at start-up to the ignitor until the ignitor warms to a point where its impedance is increased. By warming the ignitor gradually, the system power supply is not pulled down to a level which may cause malfunction of other electronics connected to the same supply. Further, the voltage level to the ignitor is controlled so that service life of the ignitor is extended.

Abstract: A self-heating type catalytic combustion apparatus and method for igniting catalyst mass effectively within a short period of time and under a clean state and for realizing pleasant heating and having a long life-span of catalyst mass.

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 control system, a control unit therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system comprising a control unit that reduces the length of the warm-up time period of an igniter in subsequent successive burner cycles in which ignition is successful until the control device detects an increase in the length of the flame detecting time period in that particular successive burner cycle over the length of the flame detecting time period on a previous burner cycle at which time the control device then increases the length of the previously reduced warm-up time period a certain amount.

Abstract: A control system for a gas fired, direct ignition, induced draft furnace includes a radiant heat sensing switch responsive to a hot surface igniter and burner flame, a single-pole, double-throw pressure switch responsive to fluid flow effected by the inducer, and a plurality of relays responsive to the radiant heat sensing switch, the pressure switch, and various other connected switching means.

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 during which the voltage applied to the ignitor and the current passing therethrough are continuously monitored thus ensuring that the ignitor has reached the ignition temperature of the fuel before the valve is permitted to open.

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: 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 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: An operation control apparatus, in a combustion device, comprising an operation member (4) selectively settable at a stop position (A), an ignition position (B) or an open position (C); an electric member (10) and/or (15) which is energized by an electric power source (20) when the operation member is set in its ignition position; and a limited time operation circuit for affecting the operation of the electric member (10 and/or 15), either by itself energizing the electric member or by enabling the electric member to be energized by the power source (20), for a predetermined period of time. In the apparatus disclosed, the limited time operation circuit is inoperative for affecting the operation of the electric member (10 and/or 15) while the operation member (4) is set in its ignition position (B) and the electric member is energized by the power source (20).

Abstract: An electrical control system including a source of electrical power and an electrical load coupled together by a power switch having alternate circuit open and circuit closed conditions. A closure means activates the power switch to a circuit closed condition to produce power transmission between the source and the load in response to a closure signal produced by a condition responsive control circuit. Connected in series with the power switch is a protective switch also activated from a circuit open to a circuit closed condition in response to the closure signal. A sensing circuit produces a fault signal in response to a closed condition of the power switch and a simultaneous circuit open condition of the protective switch.

Abstract: A gas burner control system includes a main burner, two electrically controlled valves connected fluidically in series with the burner, an electrical resistance igniter, a temperature responsive switch, and a diode steering circuit for controlling energizing of the valve windings and the igniter. The connected polarities of the diodes in the steering circuit are such that the winding of the first valve is energized by the alternating current power source when the source is of one polarity and the winding of the second valve is energized by the source when the source is of the opposite polarity.

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 fail-safe apparatus and method for controlling the sequence of gas feed and ignition, such as by an incandescent igniter, in a gas-fired appliance, such as a thermostatically controlled timer activated clothes dryer. When the appliance is activated by the timer, the control apparatus energizes the igniter and opens a gas valve only after the igniter is energized for a period that is sufficient to heat the igniter to the temperature required to kindle the gas. If the gas is ignited, the control apparatus holds the gas valve open so that the gas continues to burn. If, however, the gas is not ignited, the control apparatus inhibits any further attempt at gas feed and ignition. If a temporary electrical power outage occurs, if the gas supply is interrupted, if the thermostat cycles on and off, or, in the case of a clothes dryer, if a loading/unloading door is opened and then shut again, the control apparatus repeats the gas feed and ignition sequence in an attempt to rekindle the gas.

Abstract: A gas burner control system utilizes an electrical resistance igniter to ignite a main burner. Electronic sensing means is located adjacent the burner and adjacent a portion of the igniter where opposite voltage polarity exists between the igniter and sensing means. Current flows from the igniter to the sensing means when the igniter is heated above ignition temperature. Circuit means is responsive to such current flow to de-energize the igniter and enable gas to flow for a timed trial ignition period, the igniter having sufficient mass to remain at or above ignition temperature for the trial ignition period. When ignition occurs, the circuit means is responsive to current flow through burner flame from the sensing means to the burner to maintain gas flow.

Abstract: A control system for a gas burner of a domestic hot water system has a normally closed gas valve for controlling the supply of gas to the burner, and an electric solenoid for actuating the valve when energized by current of a first predetermined value. The solenoid can be held open by a current of a second predetermined value lower than the first. The solenoid current is derived from a mains a.c. supply through two thermistors in series. One of these thermistors has a negative temperature coefficient of resistance and provides a short delay to the operation of the solenoid when heat is initially demanded. The second thermistor, having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, controls the valve lift time, that is to say, the limited time during which gas is supplied to the burner for enabling an attempt to ignite the burner to be made. The valve lift time is automatically reduced if the system is still hot from a previous operation, thereby preventing a possible explosion hazard.

Abstract: The heat from an electric resistance igniter is used both (1) to start fuel flow to a burner after ignition temperature, and (2) to stop the fuel flow after a delay in the event of flame failure.

Abstract: A fuel ignition control arrangement for use in a fuel ignition system includes a control circuit responsive to a thermostatically-controlled circuit element for the fuel ignition system for causing a gaseous fuel to be supplied to burner apparatus of the system, a spark-producing circuit responsive to the thermostatically-controlled element for igniting the fuel supplied to the burner apparatus, a timing circuit responsive to the thermostatically-controlled element for de-energizing the control circuit after a predetermined timing interval, and a flame sensing circuit responsive to the ignition of the fuel supplied to the burner apparatus for maintaining the control circuit in fuel supplying condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid fuel ignition which consists essentially of an igniter which reaches a temperature above the ignition temperature of the fuel when sufficient electricity from an electrical source passes through the igniter and which igniter remains continuously at a temperature above the ignition temperature of the fuel while the fuel passes through a fuel injection means proximate to the igniter. A thermal delay relay which activates a valve, which permits fuel to pass through the fuel injection means proximate the igniter, is responsive to current flow through the igniter after the igniter has reached ignition temperature. The apparatus requires no mechanical moving parts other than a thermostat, one electrical relay and a fuel valve responsive to an electrical signal. Only two sets of electrical contacts are required in the entire apparatus including the thermostat and internal relay contacts. The apparatus may be conveniently designed to operate at either low or high voltage.

Abstract: A direct ignition system for a fuel burner of the type having an igniter, which is mounted proximate to a burner, connected electrically in series with the fuel valve actuator. The system utilizes a voltage sensitive thermal switch which electrically bypasses the fuel valve actuator until a predetermined voltage has been applied to the switch and the igniter for a period of time sufficient to heat the igniter to the ignition temperature of the fuel. When the igniter has reached the required ignition temperature, the thermal switch opens permitting actuation of the fuel valve which allows fuel to flow to the burner.

Abstract: A control circuit for a gas appliance includes ignition and hold circuits, the former providing for series energization of the heater of a thermal fuel valve and an electric igniter positioned proximate the appliance burner port area for ignition of the gas fuel and air mixture exiting the same and the latter providing for direct energization of only the igniter to hold or to maintain the appliance at a warm temperature. Moreover, the fuel valve includes an exterior selector mechanism for facile calibration and/or other adjustment for effective valve operation with either of two different gases at respectively different pressures, such as, for example, natural gas and bottled gas.