419results about "Combustion valves/nozzle/pumps" patented technology

The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulator organ (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16–19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions (A2, A3) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, through one of two successive holes (18, 19) calibrated each one for a different type of gas NG or LPG, one or the other hole being superimposed to a valve inlet duct (4) at a different angular position A2, A3. An integral lug (14) on the control knob (9) running into a slide groove (20) in the control panel (2), establishes a first rotation stop A2.

A furnace control system for controlling a gas-fired induced-draft furnace having a variable speed inducer blower. A control apparatus, responsive to a signal corresponding to the magnitude of a pressure difference between an inlet and outlet of the combustion chamber, controls blower motor speed to maintain the pressure difference at a predetermined magnitude corresponding to a selected gas flow rate. Inducer blower motor speed is varied directly and precisely to maintain an optimal pressure drop across the combustion chamber. The control system can be used in multi-stage and modulating furnace systems and in furnace systems utilizing pressure-assist modulating gas valves.

A heating or cooling system, such as an HVAC system, of variable output has a number of control elements and may include a variable speed compressor, a variable speed combustion (induced or forced draft) blower motor; a variable speed circulator blower motor; a variable output gas valve or gas / air premix unit; and a controller specifically developed for variable output applications. The system may utilize a pressure sensor to determine the actual flow of combustion airflow in response to actual space conditions, vary the speed of the inducer blower, and subsequently vary the gas valve output to supply the correct amount of gas to the burner system. A temperature sensor may be located in the discharge air stream of the conditioned air to provide an input signal for the circulator blower.

A valve assembly comprises two valves and a single solenoid actuator with only one magnetizing coil that controls both valves. The corresponding magnetic circuit comprises a yoke with only two pole pieces. The valves are arranged concentric to one another. The valve closing element of the outer valve is connected to an armature by means of a sleeve. The cup thus formed receives the armature that is connected to the valve closing element of the inner valve. The pole piece and the armature form a transmission air gap through which the sleeve extends. A coupling air gap is formed between the armatures. The armature and the pole piece form a working air gap. The valves are opened collectively and are able to close independently of one another when the coil is rendered currentless.

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

The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulating plug (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16-19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions of the regulating plug (6) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, adjusted each one for a different type of gas N gas or LP gas. The outlet conduit (5) of the valve is equipped with a further injector nozzle (21,23) for adjusting a constant gas flow Qmax to be fed into the conduit (25) of the correspondent burner, when the cooking appliance is supplied with a LP gas.

A control device for regulating delivery of fuel and an associated method of use is disclosed. The control device includes an inlet, an electromagnetic safety valve, having a thermocouple connection, a control valve, wherein the electromagnetic safety valve selectively allows fuel to flow from the inlet to the control valve through the electromagnetic safety valve when the thermocouple connection is heated, an actuator valve, a main valve having a pressure responsive device, having a first side and a second side and including an outlet chamber, a regulator valve having a sensing port and an outlet. There is an adjustment mechanism associated with the control valve that can also direct fuel into a pilot assembly.

In accordance with the present invention, methods and apparatus to control the combustion of a burner are presented which overcome many of the problems of the prior art. One aspect of the invention comprises a burner control apparatus including a device for viewing light emitted by a flame from a burner, a device for optically transporting the viewed light into an optical processor, an optical processor for processing the optical spectrum into electrical signals, a signal processing for processing the electrical signals obtained from the optical spectrum, and a control device which accepts the electrical signals and produces an output acceptable to one or more oxidant or fuel flow control devices. The control device, which may be referred to as a "burner computer," functions to control the oxidant flow and / or the fuel flow to the burner. In a particularly preferred apparatus embodiment of the invention, a burner and the burner control apparatus are integrated into a single unit, which may be referred to as a "smart" burner.

Systems and method for controlling the flow of air through a mechanical draft system are disclosed herein. A pressure controller for controlling air pressure comprises an appliance controller configured to control the operation of a plurality of appliances, an intake fan controller configured to control the speed of an intake fan, and an exhaust fan controller configured to control the speed of an exhaust fan. The pressure controller also includes a processor configured to receive a differential pressure signal and to control the operation of the appliances, the speed of the intake fan, and the speed of the exhaust fan in response to the differential pressure signal.

In certain embodiments, a control valve assembly for gas heaters and gas fireplace devices includes a housing. The housing can define an inlet for accepting fuel from a fuel source, a first outlet for delivering fuel to an oxygen depletion sensor, and a second outlet for delivering fuel to a burner. The assembly can include a valve body configured to selectively provide fluid communication between the inlet and one or more of the first outlet and the second outlet, and can include an actuator configured to move the valve body relative to the housing. The actuator can be configured to transition between a resting state and a displaced state. The assembly can include an igniter that includes a sensor, the igniter electrically coupled with an electrode and configured to repeatedly activate the electrode when the sensor senses that the actuator is in the displaced state. The assembly can include a shutoff valve electrically coupled with the oxygen depletion sensor and configured to operate in response to an electrical quantity communicated by the oxygen depletion sensor.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a burner. The apparatus can also include an intake valve that includes an input for receiving fuel from either a first fuel source at a first pressure or a second fuel source at a second pressure. The intake valve can include a first output for directing fuel received from the first fuel source and a second output for directing fuel received from the second fuel source. The intake valve can include an actuator configured to permit fluid communication between the input and the first output or between the input and the second output. The apparatus can include a pressure regulator that can include a first inlet for receiving fuel from the first output of the intake valve and a second inlet for receiving fuel from the second output of the intake valve. The regulator can also include an outlet for directing fuel from the pressure regulator toward the burner.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a control valve for regulating fuel flow. The apparatus can include a burner and a valve assembly. In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a housing, which can define a first fuel input for receiving a first fuel from a first fuel source and a second fuel input for receiving a second fuel from a second fuel source. The housing can define a first fuel output for directing fuel toward the control valve, and can define a third fuel input for receiving a portion of either the first fuel or the second fuel from the control valve. The housing can define a first egress flow path and a second egress flow path, each for directing fuel to the burner. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a valve body configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the first and second inputs and the output and between the third input and the egress flow paths.

The system for active regulation of the air / gas ratio of a burner comprises one or two differential pressure measuring systems each of which has a differential pressure sensor with two inlet orifices. The orifices are respectively connected to pressure ports in one of which there is a calibrated throttling orifice. The regulator system comprises a 2-channel valve which, when closed, isolates the two inlet orifices from each other, and, when open, connects them to each other. A measurement circuit is provided and has memory means for storing at least two values of the output signal of the sensors, a control unit for switching the valve and controlling the storage of a first value of an output signal of the sensor in the memory means when the valve is closed and the storage of a second value of the output signal of the sensor when the valve is open, and subtractor means for calculating the difference between the two stored values of the output signal of the sensor and thereby eliminating any drift. In a preferred variant, the regulator system includes only one differential pressure measuring system.

A valve assembly comprises two valves and a single solenoid actuator with only one magnetizing coil that controls both valves. The corresponding magnetic circuit comprises a yoke with only two pole pieces. The valves are arranged concentric to one another. The valve closing element of the outer valve is connected to an armature by means of a sleeve. The cup thus formed receives the armature that is connected to the valve closing element of the inner valve. The pole piece and the armature form a transmission air gap through which the sleeve extends. A coupling air gap is formed between the armatures. The armature and the pole piece form a working air gap. The valves are opened collectively and are able to close independently of one another when the coil is rendered currentless.

Fan assemblies, mechanical draft systems and methods are provided. In this regard, a representative mechanical draft system for use with multiple appliances includes: a chimney operative to direct combustion products from multiple appliances; a chimney fan operative to draw combustion products from the chimney; and a controller operative to adjust an operating speed of the chimney fan such that, responsive to a change in pressure in the chimney, the controller adjusts the operating speed of the chimney fan to maintain a desired pressure in the chimney.

Certain embodiments of a nozzle are configured to dispense a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof at a first pressure in a first mode of operation and dispense a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof at a second pressure in a second mode of operation. In some embodiments, the nozzle is integrated in a heat-producing device, such as, for example, a heater, a fireplace, or a stove. In some embodiments, the heat-producing device including the nozzle can operate with a first combustible fuel at a first pressure, or alternatively, can operate with a second combustible fuel at a second pressure. In some embodiments, the nozzle is used in applications other than heat-producing devices.

In certain embodiments, a control valve assembly for gas heaters and gas fireplace devices includes a housing. The housing can define an inlet for accepting fuel from a fuel source, a first outlet for delivering fuel to an oxygen depletion sensor, and a second outlet for delivering fuel to a burner. The assembly can include a valve body configured to selectively provide fluid communication between the inlet and one or more of the first outlet and the second outlet, and can include an actuator configured to move the valve body relative to the housing. The actuator can be configured to transition between a resting state and a displaced state. The assembly can include an igniter that includes a sensor, the igniter electrically coupled with an electrode and configured to repeatedly activate the electrode when the sensor senses that the actuator is in the displaced state. The assembly can include a shutoff valve electrically coupled with the oxygen depletion sensor and configured to operate in response to an electrical quantity communicated by the oxygen depletion sensor.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a burner. The apparatus can also include an intake valve that includes an input for receiving fuel from either a first fuel source at a first pressure or a second fuel source at a second pressure. The intake valve can include a first output for directing fuel received from the first fuel source and a second output for directing fuel received from the second fuel source. The intake valve can include an actuator configured to permit fluid communication between the input and the first output or between the input and the second output. The apparatus can include a pressure regulator that can include a first inlet for receiving fuel from the first output of the intake valve and a second inlet for receiving fuel from the second output of the intake valve. The regulator can also include an outlet for directing fuel from the pressure regulator toward the burner.

An intelligently controlled catalytic converter automatically monitors various operating parameters, such as water jacket temperature, catalytic input temperature, catalytic converter output temperature, oxygen level, ambient temperature, ambient humidity and / or ambient barometric air pressure, of a biofuel-fired device and automatically controls dampers, blowers and electric heaters in the device.

An improved slow opening gas valve providing for continuous gradual and smooth opening of the gas valve includes an expansible auxiliary chamber connected to an expansible control chamber by a metering orifice. The expansible auxiliary chamber slows expansion of the expansible control chamber, thereby slowing opening of the gas valve and allowing gas to ignite at a lower pressure with a much less audible sound. The gas valve is provided with a normally closed valve member for controlling flow of gas through the gas valve and a diaphragm forms a movable wall of the expansible control chamber that is operable upon expansion of the chamber to move the valve member to an open position. The expansible auxiliary chamber also comprises a movable diaphragm to control the opening of the gas valve and provide gas flow gradually and smoothly. In an alternate embodiment, a gas valve is configured to provide an initial gas flow through a bypass orifice in the closed valve member, which enables ignition of the gas at an optimum gas pressure instantly, followed by a gradual and smooth opening of the valve member. This arrangement provides a "step" function followed by the desired slow opening of the valve member.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus can comprise a dual fuel pilot assembly. The pilot assembly can comprise a first fuel dispenser, a second fuel dispenser, an igniter and at least one of a thermocouple, and a thermopile. The pilot assembly can be configured to direct heat from combustion of one of either a first fuel or a second fuel to the at least one of the thermocouple and the thermopile.

A gas tap for controlling the flow of a gas to a cooking appliance. In one embodiment, the gas tap includes a body and a rotatable regulation member positioned within the valve body, the valve body having a stationary groove for the inlet of gas from an exterior wall surface to an interior wall surface of the body, the regulation member having a passage opening for the inlet of gas from an exterior surface to an interior cavity of the regulation member, the passage opening moving with an angular rotation of the regulation member. The groove and passage opening are shaped, dimensioned and positioned relative to one another such that the regulation of an intermediate gas flow Qgra (a flow between Qmax and Qmin) is proportional to the angular displacement of the rotatable regulation member.

In certain embodiments, a valve assembly includes a housing. The housing can define a first fuel input and a second fuel input. The housing can further define a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path. The assembly can include a fluid flow controller configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the first fuel input and either the first flow path or the second flow path, and configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the second fuel input and either the third flow path or the fourth flow path. The assembly can further include a first nozzle member defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the first nozzle member can be in fluid communication with the first flow path. The assembly can further include a second nozzle member defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the second nozzle member can be in fluid communication with the second flow path.

In certain embodiments, a valve assembly includes a housing. The housing can define a first fuel input and a second fuel input. The housing can further define a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path. The assembly can include a fluid flow controller configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the first fuel input and either the first flow path or the second flow path, and configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the second fuel input and either the third flow path or the fourth flow path. The assembly can further include a first nozzle member defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the first nozzle member can be in fluid communication with the first flow path. The assembly can further include a second nozzle member defining an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the second nozzle member can be in fluid communication with the second flow path.

A device for controlling the delivery of a combustible gas to a burner apparatus is provided including a main gas-delivery duct in which there is at least one servo-assisted diaphragm valve including a valve seat associated with a corresponding closure member with diaphragm control for opening the seat against the action of a resilient biasing member. The diaphragm valve includes a respective control solenoid valve with an electromagnetic operator for controlling the corresponding valve, the solenoid valve being arranged to bring about the opening / closure of a duct of a respective servo-assisted control circuit so as to operate the closure member of the valve indirectly, by the diaphragm control. The duct of the control circuit putting a portion of the main duct that is disposed upstream of the valve seat with respect to the direction of the gas-flow into flow communication with a respective control chamber of the diaphragm valve.

A dual fuel heating source can have a fuel selector valve for selecting between a first fuel and a second fuel different from the first. The dual fuel heating source may selectively have a regulator unit, and an outlet valve. The regulator unit can be configured to regulate the pressure of two different fuels. The outlet valve can be connected to the fuel selector valve such that selecting a fuel can determine the path fuel will flow through the outlet valve and also out of the heating source.

The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulator organ (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16-19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions (A2, A3) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, through one of two successive holes (18, 19) calibrated each one for a different type of gas NG or LPG, one or the other hole being superimposed to a valve inlet duct (4) at a different angular position A2, A3. An integral lug (14) on the control knob (9) running into a slide groove (20) in the control panel (2), establishes a first rotation stop A2.

A heating or cooling system, such as an HVAC system, of variable output has a number of control elements and may include a variable speed compressor, a variable speed combustion (induced or forced draft) blower motor; a variable speed circulator blower motor; a variable output gas valve or gas / air premix unit; and a controller specifically developed for variable output applications. The system may utilize a pressure sensor to determine the actual flow of combustion airflow in response to actual space conditions, vary the speed of the inducer blower, and subsequently vary the gas valve output to supply the correct amount of gas to the burner system. A temperature sensor may be located in the discharge air stream of the conditioned air to provide an input signal for the circulator blower.

A dual fuel heating system can be used in a gas appliance. The system can have an air shutter to regulate an amount of air that can mix with the fuel for combustion. The air shutter can be configured to have different positions depending on the type of fuel to be used.