Abstract: Described is a module for the treatment of fibres for obtaining a non-woven fabric. The module comprises a fan unit configured for generating a flow of air through a closed path and a chamber for the treatment of the fibres positioned in fluid communication with the closed path, delimited on opposite sides by respective side panels. Each side panel comprises a first gap defining a blowing portion of the closed path and a second gap defining a suction portion of the closed path. Each side panel defines a branch of the closed path which extends between the fan unit and the treatment chamber. The module also comprises a first platform and a second platform comprising respective first and second channels placed in fluid communication with the first gap and second gap of each side panel and with the treatment chamber to define connecting portions of the closed path.

Abstract: An air fire lighter having fuel, an igniter and a ducted fan for igniting a solid fuel fire. The fuel travels through the fire lighter to a collar at a distal end of the fire lighter, transforming into a vapor that is ignited by an igniter. As the solid fuel begins to glow at the initiation of the fire, the fan is activated, shutting off the vapors from the fuel. The fan blows air through a chamber onto the fire, causing the fire to spread throughout the solid fuel, establishing and spreading the fire through an ignition period. The chamber has a volume and ducting for providing optimal airflow to the fire. The fan is battery-operated. The lighter is lightweight and compact with a swiveling handle that adjusts for optimal placement of the lighter for addressing the solid fuel, folding for portability and storage.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for burning combustible fluids, such as biofuel byproducts and feedstocks, which are difficult to burn in a stable and clean manner. The method includes preheating the combustion zone prior to initiating flow of the combustible fluid and maintaining a minimum oxygen concentration in the oxidant gas.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus. Combustion means (burner) generates flame by combustion. Air supply means (intake fan) supplies air to the combustion means. Flame current detecting means (FRB) is set at a certain detection position and detects a flame current value included in the flame which is generated by the combustion means. Determination means (control device) determines a distribution where the flame current value that is detected is included for the flame current detecting means. Control means (control device), when the flame current value is not included in a distribution, which is set as normal values, outputs a control command of increasing or decreasing at least one of the supply of the air by the air supply means and the supply of fuel based on a determination result by the determination means.

Abstract: A heating system includes a gas appliance and at least a remote control device and a communication between the gas appliance and the remote control device is via an AC power line. When a user input a command through the remote control device, a command signal is modulated and sent to the AC power line. A controller of the gas appliance receives the modulated command signal through the AC power line, and demodulates it to control the gas appliance accordingly. On contrary, a working signal generated by the gas appliance is modulated and sent to the AC power line. The remote control device receives the modulated working signal through the AC power line, and demodulates it to show the related message on a screen.

Abstract: A furnace includes a combustion blower and one or more pressure switches. In some cases, the one or more pressure switches may be used to calculate one or more operating points for the combustion blower. Additional operating points may be calculated by interpolation and/or extrapolation, as appropriate. The furnace may temporarily alter these operating points as necessary to keep the furnace safely operating in response to minor and/or transient changes in the operating conditions of the furnace.

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

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the air to fuel ratio in a burner containing a venturi assembly. The venturi includes an air inlet, a primary fuel inlet with a converging section, a throat portion downstream from the converging section, a diverging section downstream from the throat portion, an outlet, and a secondary gas inlet disposed downstream from the converging section and upstream from the outlet. The method comprises introducing fuel into the fuel inlet, receiving air through the air inlet by inspiration, and feeding a gas through the secondary gas inlet, the flow rate and content of the gas fed through the secondary gas inlet being selected to result in a desired air to fuel ratio through the outlet. A method of firing a heater, a burner, a furnace and firing control systems also are disclosed.

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

Abstract: An oxy-hydrogen generator control system may include an oxy-hydrogen generator for fuel production on demand. A controller may determine if ignition is present in a burner assembly prior to generating the oxy-hydrogen fuel and providing it to the burner assembly. The controller may also purge system lines of any residual oxy-hydrogen fuel when heating is no longer needed.

Abstract: A lighting control switch harness includes a plurality of elements each including a body for a respective gas tap, one or more light sources, and a printed circuit. A first switch includes a first member couplable to a mobile stem of the gas tap for integrally rotating therewith and taking contacts of the first switch towards one another. A second switch includes a second member couplable to the stem of the tap for translating parallelly thereto and taking contacts of the second switch towards one another. The elements are connected to one another only by a first wire connected to a first contact of the second switch of each element, a second wire connected to a second contact of the first switch of each element, and a third wire connected to a second contact of the second switch of each element and to the printed circuit.

Abstract: A gas cooker control system includes an ignition controller including a touch button, a resistor, a first comparator, a second comparator and a third comparator, one end of the touch button connected to external power source, and the other end connected to first inputs of the first, second and third comparators, the resistor being connected between the inputs of the first, second and third comparators and ground, outputs of the first, second and third comparators being connected to an igniter, a gas valve and a system power source; a gas valve controller including a switch circuit connected to a power source, at least one gas valve circuit connected between the switch circuit and ground, and a protection circuit parallel to the at least on gas valve circuit; and a power and ignition controller driving device including a power source driving circuit, an ignition driving circuit and a comparison circuit.

Abstract: A furnace includes a combustion blower and one or more pressure switches. In some cases, the one or more pressure switches may be used to calculate one or more operating points for the combustion blower. Additional operating points may be calculated by interpolation and/or extrapolation, as appropriate. The furnace may temporarily alter these operating points as necessary to keep the furnace safely operating in response to minor and/or transient changes in the operating conditions of the furnace.

Abstract: A liquid fuel-fired furnace installation is composed of at least one fuel tank (1), a fuel evaporation plate (2), a fuel vapor distribution plate (3) and a valve cutting-off the vapor flow, whereas the fuel tank (1) is connected with an evaporation plate (2) via a conduit (7), and the evaporation plate (2) is equipped with a vapor outlet (8) connected with a cut-off valve (4) and a vapor distribution plate (3) is connected with an inlet stub pipe (11), and in its upper part the plate has holes (12) though which the fuel vapors are exhausted. The installation is characterized by having fuel (P) delivered gravitationally via the conduit (7) into the evaporation plate (2) according to the connected vessels rule, which assures that an aerial layer is left over the fuel table (13).

Abstract: Featured is a gas burner ignition system using miniaturized hot surface igniters of various types configurations and material systems: The ignition system includes an electronic microprocessor which controls both the igniter operation and all functions of the ignition system.

Abstract: A gas cooker control system includes an ignition controller includes a touch button, a resistor, a first comparator, a second comparator and a third comparator, the touch button comprising an end connected to external power source, and the other end connected to first inputs of the first, second and third comparators, the resistor being connected between the inputs of the first, second and third comparators and ground, second inputs of the first, second and third comparators being configured for providing a first reference voltage, a second reference voltage and a third reference voltage respectively, outputs of the first, second and third comparators being connected to an igniter, a gas valve and a system power source, a voltage of the external power source being greater than the first reference voltage, the first reference voltage being greater than the second reference voltage, the second reference voltage being greater than the third reference voltage; a gas valve controller including a switch circuit con

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for controlling a gas-fired heater connected to a fuel source via a fuel source valve that includes one or more power sources, a temperature sensor, a pilotless igniter disposed within the gas-fired heater, a flame sensor disposed within the gas-fired heater and a controller electrically connected to the one or more power sources, the temperature sensor, the pilotless igniter, the flame sensor and the fuel source valve. The controller turns the pilotless igniter on for a first time period and opens the fuel source valve whenever the temperature sensor indicates that a temperature is less than or equal to a low temperature setting. The controller also closes the fuel source valve whenever the temperature sensor indicates that the temperature is greater than or equal to a high temperature setting or the flame sensor indicates that a flame has gone out.

Abstract: A gas burner ignition system, includes a power circuit (1), igniter (3), a solenoid valve (6); an igniter switch control circuit (2) which is connected between the power circuit (1) and igniter (3); a solenoid valve switch control circuit (5) connected between the power circuit (1) and the solenoid valve (6); the solenoid valve switch control circuit (5) and the igniter switch control circuit (2) are responsive to delay circuit (4), so that the user need only operate the control knob without the need to hold the operating knob until the thermocouple (42) has reached operating temperature.

Abstract: A solenoid for controlling gas flow to a burner of an appliance includes at least one coil configured to receive an electrically charged pulse based on a signal sent from a controller. The solenoid also includes an armature moveable between a first position and a second position by the at least one coil. The armature is configured to remain in one of the first position and the second position until the coil receives the electrically charged pulse. Gas is flowing to the burner of the appliance when the armature is in the first position, and gas is restricted from flowing to the burner when the armature is in the second position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for burning combustible fluids, such as biofuel byproducts and feedstocks, which are difficult to burn in a stable and clean manner. The method includes preheating the combustion zone prior to initiating flow of the combustible fluid and maintaining a minimum oxygen concentration in the oxidant gas.

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 burner system includes a power supply device, one or a number of gas burners, one or a number of gas valve for controlling the fuel gas passage(s) of the gas burner(s), one or a number of control device each having an operating device for inputting a command signal, a microprocessor for receiving the command signal from the operating device and outputting a corresponding control signal, a valve control device for driving the gas valve(s) subject to the control signal from the microprocessor, an ignition induction electrode located on each gas burner at one side, and one or a number of igniter and inductor combination device for providing a high voltage current to the ignition induction electrode at each gas burner subject to the control signal from the microprocessor to cause the ignition induction electrode at each gas burner to discharge sparks for burning the discharged fuel mixture so that the igniter and inductor combination device stops from providing the high voltage current when received a feedb

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of controlling the air to fuel ratio in a burner containing a venturi assembly. The venturi includes an air inlet, a primary fuel inlet with a converging section, a throat portion downstream from the converging section, a diverging section downstream from the throat portion, an outlet, and a secondary gas inlet disposed downstream from the converging section and upstream from the outlet. The method comprises introducing fuel into the fuel inlet, receiving air through the air inlet by inspiration, and feeding a gas through the secondary gas inlet, the flow rate and content of the gas fed through the secondary gas inlet being selected to result in a desired air to fuel ratio through the outlet. A method of firing a heater, a burner, a furnace and firing control systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: A re-ignition controller with a safe interruption effect connected with a main gas-supplying valve of a gas combustion device, when any igniting switch of the gas combustion device is turned on while there is no flame on a corresponding burner, a corresponding ignition and flame detecting probe starts to discharge with high voltage for ignition, so that the burner can release gas for burning. If extinguishment occurs during the process of burning on the burner, by detecting of the ignition and flame detecting probe and an action of re-ignition, the burner burns again. When the action of re-ignition fails for a predetermined time, the controller for re-ignition will shut the main gas-supplying valve and stop any igniting action. When being safely interrupted, each ignition switch shall be kept at a close state in advance, and the main gas-supplying valve can do the action of opening the valve.

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: A control system for controlling an oil or gas burner heating system comprises an ultraviolet flame sensor. Flame is detected and preanalyzed by the control for flame quality factors reflecting the degree of drift from optimal operating conditions including the average flame intensity, and the peak intensity frequencies. Other sensors detect other drift indications including exhaust-gas-stack temperature. A modem can automatically transmit data to a remote computer used by fuel providers and service personnel or upon a call request from the personnel to the control. Software installed in the remote computer calculates the next fuel delivery date and next servicing date based on data transmitted from the control system and from the service personnel.

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: An ignition system includes a burner, a power supply, an electrical system including a ground conductor, and an ignition module. The ignition module includes a first input, a second input, and an output. The output is operatively coupled to the burner, while one of the inputs is coupled to said ground conductor, and the other of the inputs is coupled to the power supply.

Abstract: A combustion apparatus 2 has a fuel spraying nozzle 12, a feed canal 16 and a return canal 17, both the canals connected to the nozzle, with the former canal 16 feeding a fuel to the nozzle and with the latter canal 17 allowing an unsprayed portion of the fuel to flow back. An electromagnetic pump 18 disposed in the feed canal 16 serves to compress the fuel towards the nozzle 12, and an injector valve 25 is disposed in the return canal 17. A controller 40 regulates the operation of the injector valve 25 in the manner of duty-ratio control so as to adjust the flow rate of the fuel being sprayed out of the nozzle 12.

Abstract: A heater in which, during the glow plug ramp time interval, the amount of energy supplied per unit of time to the glow plug/flame monitor can be successively changed, and a control unit which is operationally coupled to the glow plug/flame monitor. To enable continuous flame monitoring during the starting phase of the heater with the control unit, the resistance value of the glow plug/flame monitor is determined during the glow plug ramp time interval and compared to a threshold value RGS, and when the threshold value RGS is not reached, a flame-out signal is generated.

Abstract: A telescopic linkage, in particular, for gas cooking points includes an arresting mechanism between two longitudinal telescopic bodies, one inserted inside the other in a longitudinal direction, optionally opened, by manual rotation at one linkage end, for changing the length of the telescopic linkage or for safeguarding against unauthorized or accidental switching on of a household appliance.

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 ignition system includes a burner, a power supply, an electrical system including a ground conductor, and an ignition module. The ignition module includes a first input, a second input, and an output. The output is operatively coupled to the burner, while one of the inputs is coupled to said ground conductor, and the other of the inputs is coupled to the power supply.

Abstract: A device for igniting fuel, comprising at least one burner, the device comprising ignition means comprising an ignition element, the ignition means further comprising a movable element which is connected to a fluid line, such that a fluid contained in the fluid line, when it flows, creates a pressure difference across the movable element, as a result of which the movable element is set in motion, the movable element being connected with the ignition element, such that the movement of the movable element generates via the ignition element and ignition temperature by means of which the fuel is caused to combust.

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: The WSL Gas Igniter is, in essence, a small, reuasable gas bomb intended to be used in the testing of fire suppression systems. The device has two main parts. The main parts are the control box and the igniter head. The control box controls all aspects of operation. It controls the flow of all gases, as well as, the electrically powered ignition system. The igniter head contains an accumulation/combustion chamber in which a combustible mixture of gases is introduced. Also, the combustion chamber contains a small spark generating means. A control signal initiates a spark system and the flow of gases into the combustion chamber simultaneously. At the desired moment of ignition, the control signal is removed, which ceases the gas flow and ignites the combustible mixture of gases in the combustion chamber. The explosion produced by the invention is intended to ignite a test subject for the purpose of testing fire suppression capability.

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: The present invention relates to a structure in which an unburnt gas can be prevented from being diffused into a room while suppressing the generation of the unburnt gas during the extinction operation of a pot type oil burner. During the extinction operation, first of all, the supply of a fuel from fuel feeding means (35) to a pot (15) is stopped and conduction to an electric heater (31) is started. The rotation of each of a combustion fan (23) and a convection fan (11) is carried out continuously. While a second timer (67) counts a second time period, the convection fan (11) is rotated at a high speed. After the second time period is ended, the rotation of the convection fan (11) is switched from high speed rotation into low speed rotation. The low speed rotation is carried out continuously for a third time period counted by a third timer. After the third time period is ended, the rotation of the convection fan (11) is returned from the low speed rotation to the high speed rotation.

Abstract: A combustion device for providing a stream of combustion products. In particular, there is a combustion device, utilizing micro-sized combustion tubes, that can 1) control firing profiles of an array of combustion tubes, 2) control acoustics generated thereby, and 3) provide an exhaust gas for actuating an attached device, like a piston. The array of combustion tubes is individually controlled. Wherein the array of tubes comprises either uniformly dimensioned tubes or is formed of a variety of dimensions, like length and diameter, which are arranged in selected patterns. There can be either a single ignition point at an end of the combustion tubes, or a multiple of ignition points positioned along the interior length of the tubes. There is also a combustion sequence that self extinguishing after burning all of the fuel in the combustion tube at the end of each cycle.

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

Abstract: A soldering iron (1) comprises a soldering head (4) connected to a handle (2). A cylindrical catalytic element (20) located in a combustion chamber (8) converts gas to heat for heating a soldering tip (15). An electrode (40) located within the catalytic element (20) initially ignites a fuel gas/air mixture to burn in a flame (42) within the catalytic element (20) for raising the temperature of a downstream portion (50) of the catalytic element (20) to its ignition temperature. Heat from the downstream portion (50) raises an upstream portion (51) of the catalytic element (20) upstream of the flame (42) to its ignition temperature, which then commences to convert the fuel gas/air mixture to heat. This starves the flame (42) of fuel gas/air mixture, thus extinguishing the flame (42) so that the catalytic element (20) continues to convert fuel gas/air mixture to heat in a catalytic reaction.

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: The present portable exterminating apparatus uses an ignite charge of gas to produce both concussion and heat within the burrow of a rodent, along with residual toxic fumes, all contributing to rodent extermination. The apparatus includes a barrel, an injection control assembly, an ignition system, and a safety system including a pressure sensor and preferably a check valve. The mixing chamber of the apparatus mixes a flammable gas, such as propane, with oxygen, preferably from a bottled oxygen source, at a desired ratio. The barrel nozzle is placed into the burrow opening, and the flammable mixture is discharged into the burrow, and subsequently ignited. The ignition system including a battery, an ignition switch, and an improved ignition component inducing arcing across a pair of electrodes located within the nozzle of the barrel. The ignition switch is preferably located near the discharge valve for one-hand operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A catalytic combustion type heater set so as to reduce the exhaust emission at the time of ignition and the time of extinguishment by, at the time of ignition, providing a precombustion period and making the amounts of the fuel and air fed larger than the air-fuel ratio of the steady combustion period to prevent incomplete combustion and by, at the time of extinguishment, stopping the feeding of fuel and feeding only air in an amount lower than that before the fuel stops being fed so as to completely burn the remaining fuel, then feeding purging air.

Abstract: Stoves fueled by biomass pellets are provided with a grate assembly that supports the pellets for combustion and directs combustion gas into the fire. The grate assembly includes a passive grate of equally or unequally spaced rods. The design of the rods serves to prevent the ash and clinkers from accumulating on the grate in mounts that could reduce the flow of combustion gas into the fire. In one embodiment, an ignitor rod is provided as one of the spaced rods in the grate assembly. By applying power to the ignitor rod, the rod is raised to a sufficient temperature to ignite unburned biomass pellets in proximity to the ignitor rod.

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 control system for a multiple burner furnace has a programmable processor interfaced to hardware input and output circuitry associated with the furnace. The programmed processor provides a number of operating modules including a polling module, a startup module, a run module, and an alarm module. The processor and the associated hardware are interlocked in such a fashion that safe operation of the furnace is assured. For example, watchdog timers driven from the processor are interlocked with flame sensing hardware to control the main fuel valve and prevent fuel from flowing to the furnace in the event of either hardware or software malfunction. The safety features are equivalent to or better than a hardwired dedicated control system, while providing additional program-related flexibility and functionality.

Abstract: A primary control unit and ignitor using a microprocessor for fuel and ignition control and intelligent flame monitoring of a fuel burning device such as kerosene fired heaters. The control unit will function with a voltage supply ranging from 30 to 264 volts, 50 or 60 hertz. It has intermittent ignition resulting in reduced electromagnetic interference and longer spark plug life. The ignitor circuit is isolated from the DC power supply to prevent any common mode electromagnetic interference.