Abstract: A method for igniting a fuel/oxidant mixture in an industrial furnace. At least one fuel supply conduit and at least one oxidant supply conduit is provided, each conduit having an opening that opens on a side of the burner head that faces the furnace interior space. Fuel and oxidant are supplied to the burner head, and a light detector for detecting ultraviolet light, or other light wavelengths, is provided for detecting light that indicates the presence of a flame. A laser is positioned to emit a laser beam onto a point on the burner head adjacent the conduit outlets and to heat that point to a temperature exceeding the ignition temperature of the fuel/oxidant mixture. When the burner has ignited, the detector emits a signal to a control circuit that extinguishes the laser beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a fuel-fired appliance is provided. The appliance enters a wait state in which burner operation ceases if a sensor indicates the presence of flammable vapors that are above an acceptable and/or safe vapor level. The appliance returns to a run state if the vapor level returns to an acceptable and/or safe vapor level within a period of time, but enters a lockout state if the vapor level does not return to an acceptable and/or safe vapor level within the period of time.

Abstract: The ignition sequence of a conventional oil-fired furnace is altered to achieve significant fuel economy. In response to a thermostatic call for heat, a short two to five second delay interval ensues during which the ignition electrode pair are energized to cause an arc which associates with the nozzle surface to burn off unburned fuel debris and, in effect, clean the nozzle, electrode tips and warm the spark. At the termination of this short interval, the oil pump and air blower are energized to achieve combustion of oil mist and air within an association ignition chamber.

Abstract: A method for starting a combustion device, in particular after a first ignition failure, in particular for starting a gas burner under unknown basic conditions, wherein a characteristic diagram of a start air ratio depending on the burner temperature known from empirical analysis is stored for the combustion device in a memory, wherein a calibration of the starting process is performed, wherein the ratio of opening of the gas valve (w) to air volume mL necessary for ignition is iteratively determined by variation of the gas and/or air volume; and in case of ignition, the combustion device is started and the applicable air ratio (?)IGNITION is stored.

Abstract: Flares include grain assemblies comprising a combustible grain and a reactive foil positioned at least proximate to the grain and configured to ignite combustion of the grain upon ignition of the reactive foil. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials. Methods of fabricating flares include at least partially covering an exterior surface of a combustible grain with a reactive foil to form a grain assembly, and inserting the grain assembly at least partially into a casing. The reactive foil may include alternating layers of reactive materials that are configured to react with one another in an exothermic chemical reaction upon ignition. Furthermore, methods of igniting a flare grain include initiating an exothermic chemical reaction between alternating layers of reactive materials in a reactive foil located proximate to the flare grain.

Abstract: A flame sensor apparatus for use with a flame heated thermal abatement reactor is provided, including a flame sensor adapted to sense a flame within the thermal abatement reactor; and a shutter adapted to selectively block the transmission of radiation from the flame to the flame sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preheating a furnace during a warm-up phase of furnace operation. The furnace has main burners with a tubular fuel supply surrounded by a main combustion air duct defining an annular space between the supply and the duct that extends in an axial direction of the main burner. A pilot nozzle in the annular space extends in an axial direction of the burner towards an interior of the furnace and discharges readily ignitable fluid fuel jets through orifices in the nozzle toward the interior of the furnace. Combustion air from the duct is directed past the nozzle and is mixed with the fuel discharged from the orifices to form an ignitable mixture that is ignited to form the furnace heating pilot flame downstream of the nozzle.

Abstract: A flameless combustion heater system is described that comprises a flameless combustion heater; an oxidant inlet pipe; a fuel inlet pipe; and a preheater for preheating the oxidant or the fuel, said preheater comprising an oxidation catalyst. A method for starting up a flameless combustion heater is described comprising passing a fuel-oxidant mixture to a preheater comprising an oxidation catalyst to preheat the fuel or oxidant stream being fed to the heater. A method for controlling the temperature of the flameless combustion heater system is also described that comprises controlling the amount of fuel and/or oxidant that passes through the preheater.

Abstract: While ensuring technical safety and a short start-up time the invention permits the operation of autothermic partial oxidation of fuels processed into pulverized fuel such as lignite and bituminous coals, petroleum cokes, solid grindable carbon-containing residues, as well as solid-liquid suspensions or slurries, with a gasification agent containing oxygen at operating pressures of up to 8 MPa (80 bar). The selective configuration of the fail-safe monitoring of the gasification process only the supply of the main fuel is cut off. Through the continued operation of the pilot and ignition burner the reactor is kept at operating pressure and after the fault has been rectified fuel gasification can be restarted with the pilot and ignition burner without a complicated placement and pulling of a starter burner and subsequent pressurization of the reactors.

Abstract: A patio heater gas control system (10), the system (10) comprising: a timing module (50) to set a predetermined amount of time for gas to be supplied to a gas burner of the patio heater (20); an electromechanical valve (60) to control the flow of gas from a gas tank to the gas burner; an oxygen depletion system (80) to automatically extinguish and shut off the gas burner if the oxygen level falls below a predetermined level; and a tilt switch (40) to automatically extinguish and shut off the gas burner if the patio heater (20) if it is tilted greater than a predetermined angle; wherein when the predetermined amount of time has not expired, a closed and complete electrical circuit causes the electromechanical valve (60) to open and allow gas to flow from the gas tank to the burner, and when the predetermined amount of time has expired, the timing module (50) opens the electrical circuit to cause the electromechanical valve (60) to close and prevent gas flowing from the gas tank to the gas burner.

Abstract: In a fuel cell power plant, carbon monoxide contained in reformate gas which is produced by a reformer (3) by means of a catalytic fuel reaction is removed by the respective catalytic reactions of a shift converter (4) and a preferential oxidation reactor (5). During start up of the fuel cell power plant, a burner (6) burns fuel to produce combustion gas and the combustion gas is supplied individually to the reformer (3), shift converter (4) and preferential oxidation reactor (5) through combustion gas supply passages (71-73) thereby simultaneously completing warming up of these catalytic reactors (3-5).

Abstract: An oil/slurry burner with injection atomization for the gasification of solids-containing liquid fuels under high pressures of e.g. 80 bar (8 MPa) and high temperatures of e.g. 1200 to 1900 degrees centigrade in reactors with liquid slag removal is proposed, wherein a plurality of feeding elements disposed outside the annular duct concentrically with respect to the burner axis are provided for introducing liquid fuel and atomizing agent, the individual feeding elements being implemented intrinsically straight in the burner, inclined to the burner axis in the direction of the burner mouth, and ending at the burner mouth adjacent to the oxidant outlet. By introducing the liquid fuel and atomizing agent in individual completely implemented tubes with a corresponding nozzle, different fuels can be supplied simultaneously via the individual feeds and converted in a flame reaction.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus and method of determining the type of igniter for a burner at each stage of a boiler. The apparatus includes a controller operable to detect whether a first type of igniter or a second type of igniter is installed in the burner based on whether the first type of igniter or the second type of igniter transmits a response to the controller after receiving an activation signal from the controller.

Abstract: A hand-held torch includes a housing. A fuel flow path is defined within the housing. A plunger is movable within the housing to control fuel flow through the fuel flow path. An engagement portion is coupled to the plunger. A latching element is movable to engage the engagement portion when the plunger is positioned to allow fuel flow through the fuel flow path. An actuator is coupled to the latching element and exposed for manipulation by a user to move the latching element into engagement with the engagement portion.

Abstract: In domestic installations of any type of furnace or equivalent, proof of lean combustion is necessary to satisfy requirements of certification agencies. Exhibiting proof of lean combustion during the operation of an integrated fuel reformer and fuel cell system can be problematic because the point of combustion and its nature may shift during operation. In addition, the preferred ratio of fuel to air in these fuel-reforming systems is often near a stoichiometry of one. In the present invention, the combination of a flame-detecting device, a temperature sensing device and an oxygen or hydrocarbon sensor is used to verify the occurrence of combustion, and show proof of lean combustion.

Abstract: When a fluid flow channel is interrupted while an electronic circuit unit 50 including a microcomputer 51 and the like receives electric source power, a flow control valve is displaced to a predetermined position closer to a first end of both ends of a motion range of the flow control valve in the fluid flow channel by a stepping motor 29. When the supply of electric source power is restarted after the supply of electric source power to the electronic circuit unit 50 is stopped, a predetermined number of pulses capable of displacing the flow control valve from the first end to a home position are supplied to the stepping motor 29 to displace the flow control valve to the home position with a second end of both ends of the motion range of the flow control valve being the home position of the flow control valve.

Abstract: A gas cooking hob and a method of operating the hob including at least two physical cooking points and at least one electronic control component. A second one of the two cooking points located at a greater distance from the electronic control component than the first cooking point. The first cooking point is rendered inoperational or its calorific output is reduced when a first threshold temperature of the electronic control component is exceeded. The second cooking point is remains operational or its calorific output remains unchanged.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of a gas fired appliance having a gas valve circuit for enabling the flow of gas to the burner. The apparatus comprises a sensor capable of detecting the presence of flammable vapor, a switching means in series with the gas valve solenoid circuit for interrupting a thermocouple voltage to the gas valve solenoid to disable the flow of gas, and a fuse that normally conducts a current to the switching means to maintain the switching means in a conductive state for applying a thermocouple voltage to the gas valve solenoid. In response to the detection by the sensor of the presence of a predetermined level of flammable vapor concentration, a second switch supplies a higher current through the fuse. The higher current causes the fuse to blow and interrupt the current for maintaining the switching means in a conductive state, such that the switching means interrupts the thermocouple voltage applied to the gas valve solenoid to shut off the gas to the burner.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a switch, a fuse, and a sensor that is capable of detecting the presence of flammable vapors and responsively changing in resistance, wherein the sensor enables the switch to supply current to the fuse which opens to shut down an appliance burner. The fuse is connected in series with a control circuit that enables a gas valve to supply gas to the burner 65. The apparatus comprises a voltage divider circuit that includes the sensor, which upon exposure to flammable vapors, increases in resistance to provide a voltage input to the gate of a FET 100. The FET switches on and conducts a current that blows the fuse to interrupt the appliance burner control circuit and shut down burner operation.

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

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel-fired burner of an emission abatement assembly includes supplying a reduced amount of fuel to the fuel-fired burner in response to detection of a burner shutdown request. Such a reduced fuel supply continues for a predetermined time period after which fuel is no longer supplied to the burner. The supply of both combustion air and atomization air, along with spark generation, continues for a period of time after the fuel is shutoff. An emission abatement assembly is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preheating a catalyst in a catalytic heater comprising the steps of preparing a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen in a volume ratio of between about 95% hydrogen to about 5% nitrogen and about 5% hydrogen to about 95% nitrogen and dispersing the gaseous mixture into contact with the catalyst for a period of time sufficient to raise the temperature of the catalyst to a level that will promote the flameless oxidation of a fuel gas in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: A self-sustaining control for a heating system, having conventional operational modes and pilot burner assembly, is disclosed. A controller directs operation in accordance with a need-based protocol and monitors the condition of a storage device, which provides system power during the stand-by or off mode under normal conditions. A thermo-electric device is in thermal communication with the pilot burner assembly and powers the system whenever the pilot is lit. Regardless of heat need, the controller directs operation in a pilot-on mode, in lieu of an off mode, whenever the storage device is compromised.

Abstract: A fuel injector (11) supplies liquid fuel to a catalytic combustor (9) of a fuel reforming device during startup of a fuel reforming device. A controller sets the injection amount (Qf) for liquid fuel to a first injection amount (Qf1) during a predetermined time (t1) after starting fuel injection. After the predetermined time, the injection amount (Qf) is set to a second injection amount (Qf2) which is larger than the first injection amount (Qf1). When the elapsed time after starting fuel injection is smaller than a value (t1), the discharged amount of uncombusted fuel is reduced by setting the injection amount (Qf) to a minimum injection amount (Qf1) which allows ignition and combustion in the catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a switch, a fuse, and a sensor that is capable of detecting the presence of flammable vapors and responsively changing in resistance, wherein the sensor enables the switch to supply current to the fuse which opens to shut down an appliance burner. The fuse is connected in series with a control circuit that enables a gas valve to supply gas to the burner. 65 The apparatus comprises a voltage divider circuit that includes the sensor, which upon exposure to flammable vapors, increases in resistance to provide a voltage input to the gate of a FET 100. The FET switches on and conducts a current that blows the fuse to interrupt the appliance burner control circuit and shut down burner operation.

Abstract: A device for heating hydrogen storage canister includes a canister containing chamber for accommodation of at least one hydrogen storage canister, a catalyst bed arranged in the canister containing chamber for catalysis. A blowing device provides an air flow through an air flow leading pipe to a nozzle section which is connected with a heating gas drawing pipe to the catalyst bed. A heating fuel storage tank supplies heating fuel which is conveyed to the nozzle section through a heating fuel supplying pipeline, a coiled pipe and a heating fuel conveying pipe in sequence. When the air flow flows through the nozzle section, the heating fuel is drawn into the nozzle section to mix with the air flow, forming a heating gas. The heating gas is atomized by the nozzle section and flows to the catalyst bed where the heating gas is catalyzed to burn to generate a hot gas to heat the hydrogen storage canister.

Abstract: Heating units, drug supply units and drug delivery articles capable of rapid heating are disclosed. Heating units comprising a substrate and a solid fuel capable of undergoing an exothermic metal oxidation reaction disposed within the substrate are disclosed. These heating units can be actuated by electrical resistance or by optical ignition. Drug supply units and drug delivery articles wherein a solid fuel is configured to heat a substrate to a temperature sufficient to rapidly thermally vaporize a drug disposed thereon are also disclosed.

Abstract: The method of the invention concerns operation of a furnace utilizing a hydrogen-rich gas as furnace fuel. The furnace has multiplicity of burners for burning fuel supplied thereto. The method comprises providing ignition means for lighting a flame at at least one burner of the multiplicity of burners. An oxygen-containing gas and a combustible gas comprising a hydrocarbon gas are supplied to each of the multiplicity of burners in amounts capable of forming an ignitable mixture. A flame is ignited at the predetermined one burner which is then allowed to propagate from the at least one predetermined burner to the other burners of the multiplicity of burners. Then the composition of the combustible gas is altered over a period of time so as to replace at least a major part of the hydrocarbon gas by a hydrogen-rich gas until a hydrogen flame is established at each of the multiplicity of burners.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for improved process control in combustion applications, and particularly those relating to the steelmaking industry. An apparatus is provided for process control in a combustion application comprising a laser to transmit a near-infrared laser beam through off-gas produced by the combustion application, a detector to detect the transmitted laser beam and convert the detected laser beam to an electrical signal, and a control system for providing adjustment of select inputs to the combustion application in response to the electrical signal from the detector. The method of this invention comprises transmitting a near-infrared laser beam through off-gas produced by the combustion application, detecting the transmitted laser beam, and adjusting select inputs of the combustion application in response to the detected transmitted laser beam.

Abstract: A non-contact gauging system and method profiles a workpiece to accurately determine cylindrical surface profiles. The system includes a sensor head for performing reflected light measurements. The sensor head couples to a sensor arm that is movable in longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions. A computer controls operation of the sensor head and arm to perform various proximity measurements of the workpiece. Proximity measurements are made along at least three parallel, lateral tracks that extend along a longitudinal length of the workpiece surface. The sensor head takes proximity measurements as it is moved continuously along each lateral track. The computer determines the diameters of the workpiece along the longitudinal length based on the proximity measurements and generates a profile.

Abstract: A method for a security control of a burner, provided with a body comprising a diffuser in which apertures for the flow of a mixture of air and fuel are made, comprises detecting a temperature representative of the temperature of said diffuser in at least one zone of the diffuser, generating a signal having an intensity depending on said representative temperature.

Abstract: A safety device for shutting off the flow of gas to a gas-fired appliance in the presence of flammable vapors. The resistance of a variable resistance flammable vapor sensor is monitored by a microprocessor that controls the operation of a gas flow valve. When the measured resistance indicates the presence of a preselected concentration of flammable vapors, the gas flow valve is shut of and the ignition system cannot be energized.

Abstract: A catalytic heater 10 has an insulation pad 36 and a catalyst pad 34 mounted in face-to-face relation within an enclosure 11 having an open front face 20. A starter 48 is mounted within the catalyst pad and is effective for preheating of the catalyst pad. Fuel gas is supplied to the rear face of the insulation pad and air is supplied to the front face of the catalyst pad, so that a catalytic reaction occurs generally when the catalyst pad and sear the ope front face. After the catalytic reaction begins, electrical energy is ceased to the starter. The starter preferably comprises a quartz-halogen lamp of a relatively small size which is mounted within the catalyst pad.

Abstract: A method is described for igniting discharges of inflammable fluids, such as gases which are discharged in a flare, where an ignition pellet is set in motion towards the fluid discharge along a conducting body and made to detonate in or near the fluid discharge, so that the fluid is ignited. The invention is characterised in that the device, during its travel towards the fluid discharge, goes through detonation generating events in which an electronic system registers several subsequent sequences, such as: 1) a sequence in which a control circuit (a system) is activated (switched on), 2) a sequence in which the device is activated as it passes, and registers a predetermined series of identical or different pulse influences, and 3) a sequence in which the device thereafter is made to detonate by a pulse influence which indicates that it has passed the conducting body towards the fluid discharge. A system for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: Sequenced pulses of light from an excitation laser with at least two resonator cavities with separate output couplers are directed through a light modulator and a first polarzing analyzer. A portion of the light not rejected by the first polarizing analyzer is transported through a first optical fiber into a first ignitor laser rod in an ignitor laser. Another portion of the light is rejected by the first polarizing analyzer and directed through a halfwave plate into a second polarization analyzer. A first portion of the output of the second polarization analyzer passes through the second polarization analyzer to a second, oscillator, laser rod in the ignitor laser. A second portion of the output of the second polarization analyzer is redirected by the second polarization analyzer to a second optical fiber which delays the beam before the beam is combined with output of the first ignitor laser rod.

Abstract: A burner apparatus is operated in a plurality of distinct modes. In a startup mode, flows of oxidant and primary fuel are ignited by an igniter and are provided simultaneously with a flow of secondary fuel until a process chamber reaches the auto-ignition temperature of the secondary fuel. In a subsequent mode, flows of oxidant and secondary fuel are provided simultaneously to the exclusion of a flow of primary fuel.

Abstract: An improved burner and a method for combusting fuel used in furnaces such as those found in steam cracking. The burner includes a burner tube having a downstream end and an upstream end, a burner tip adjacent a first opening in the furnace, so that combustion of the fuel takes place at the burner tip, a lighting chamber adjacent to the first opening in the furnace, and a removable lighting chamber plug having a shape effective to substantially fill the lighting chamber when positioned within the lighting chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting flame rollout is disclosed. The detection system includes a processor programmed to execute a furnace lockout when the flame proving signal is lost three times after successful burner ignition has been established on each of three heating cycles within a predetermined period of accumulated burner on-time. In one embodiment the period of accumulated burner on-time is 60 minutes. The program executed by the processor resides in firmware. The system and method of present invention mitigates the potentially harmful accumulation of flue gasses when flame sense is lost due to flame rollout.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ignition control system that dynamically adjusts the warm-up time of an igniter within a predetermined range depending on the success or failure of the previous ignition or start-up cycle. The system activates the igniter and waits a predetermined or computed warm-up time. At the end of the warm-up time, the system opens a gas valve. The system then waits a preset time from the opening of the gas valve to determine whether ignition was successful or not. If the ignition was successful, the system computes a new igniter warm-up time by decrementing the current time and stores this new value for use during the next start sequence. If the ignition was unsuccessful, the system computes a new warm-up time by incrementing the current value and retrying the start sequence. Preferably, a successful ignition is always determined by checking for the presence of flame a fixed time following the opening of the gas valve.

Abstract: A combustible fire-starting or heat-providing assembly is described that includes a suitable quantity of combustible alcohol-based fuel liquid held within a freestanding, combustible, alcohol-resistant and alcohol-impermeable container. The container is configured with at least a bottom wall and a perimeter sidewall that is continuous with the bottom wall, in which the upper portion of the container is substantially open to the air to allow free-burning of the fuel liquid. The container is of a suitable composition and the sidewall is of an adequate thickness and rigidity for the container to retain the fuel liquid without leakage throughout the period of combustion of the fuel, even as the sidewall gradually diminishes in height as it melts and burns downward toward the bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: A catalytic heater 10 has an insulation pad 36 and a catalyst pad 34 mounted in face-to-face relation within an enclosure 11 having an open front face 20. A starter 48 is mounted within the catalyst pad and is effective for preheating of the catalyst pad. Fuel gas is supplied to the rear face of the insulation pad and air is supplied to the front face of the catalyst pad, so that a catalytic reaction occurs generally when the catalyst pad and sear the ope front face. After the catalytic reaction begins, electrical energy is ceased to the starter. The starter preferably comprises a quartz-halogen lamp of a relatively small size which is mounted within the catalyst pad.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a pilot burner apparatus and a main burner apparatus of a gas-fired appliance. The pilot burner apparatus draws combustion air from a first environment. The main combustion apparatus draws air from a second environment. In a shutdown condition, such as when a flammable vapor source is accidentally exposed to the second environment, the pilot burner apparatus draws air containing an undesired flammable vapor which eliminates the pilot flame, triggering a gas valve to close and shut down the fuel gas supply to the main burner apparatus and the pilot burner apparatus.

Abstract: A method for ignition and start up of a gas turbine engine in which the fuel flow is supplied to the combustor at a substantially constant rate for ignition and the gas turbine engine is ramped up at a preset acceleration rate to a speed to provide a supply of combustion air to the combustor in order to achieve the correct fuel-to-air ratio for ignition.

Abstract: In the apparatus of the invention, a first excitation laser or other excitation light source is used in tandem with an ignitor laser to provide a compact, durable, engine deployable fuel ignition laser system. Reliable fuel ignition is provided over a wide range of fuel conditions by using a single remote excitation light source for one or more small lasers located proximate to one or more fuel combustion zones. In a third embodiment, alternating short and long pulses of light from the excitation light source are directed into the ignitor laser. Each of the embodiments of the invention can be multiplexed so as to provide laser light energy sequentially to more than one ignitor laser.

Abstract: An oil burner control system is disclosed in which recycling between a loss of combustion to re-establishment of combustion is limited by counting the number of times recycling occurs and causing a the system to stop recycling and go to lockout after the count reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A gas operated lantern includes a control mechanism whereby a user may start gas flow through the lantern, operate a choke, and ignite the lantern. The user may perform these operations using the same control in an easy, simple series of motions. The user may rotate a knob, rotating a stem, to start gas flow and press the knob axially inward along the stem to operate a choke and an igniter.

Abstract: An oil burner control system is disclosed in which an extended time may be temporarily selected, in situations such as initial set up or periodic maintenance, for priming the pipes, filters and pumps, before a safety lockout of system operation occurs, while otherwise leaving the normal safety lockout functions intact. An igniter in the system operates in an “intermittent” mode during the temporarily selected extended time, and otherwise operates in an “interrupted” mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of rapidly detecting a flame out condition. A thermopile receives heat energy from the flame and generates electrical power to enable operation of a microprocessor. This microprocessor periodically measures the output voltage of the thermopile at one second intervals. An average is taken of eight consecutive samples. A running history of eight averages is stored within a FIFO which serves as a history queue. This FIFO thus stores a digitized signature of the flame condition over the previous 64 seconds. Analysis by the microprocessor is able to make an early detection of the flame out condition be utilizing the current voltage measurement sand the FIFO contents.

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.