U.S. patent application number 11/082375 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for single-stage gas valve.
Invention is credited to Chin-Ying Huang.
Application Number | 20070003892 11/082375 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37054270 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070003892 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huang; Chin-Ying |
January 4, 2007 |
Single-stage gas valve
Abstract
A combustion assembly includes a single stage gas valve, a
burner member having a flame end, a spark generating member, a
flame sensing member, and a controller. The spark generating member
generates a spark in response to a spark signal and is positioned
adjacent to the flame end of the burner member. The flame sensing
member senses the presence of a flame and is also positioned
adjacent to the flame end. The controller provides a valve open
signal to the valve to control a flow of gas to the burner member,
provides a spark signal to the spark generating member to generate
a spark that ignites the flow of gas, receives a flame sense signal
from the flame sensing member related to the state of the flame,
and provides a valve closed signal to stop the flow of gas when the
flame sense signal indicates no flame is present.
Inventors: |
Huang; Chin-Ying; (Taichung,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
37054270 |
Appl. No.: |
11/082375 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23D 2207/00 20130101;
F23N 2227/28 20200101; F23D 14/28 20130101; F23N 2227/36 20200101;
F23D 14/38 20130101; F23N 5/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/024 |
International
Class: |
F23N 5/20 20060101
F23N005/20 |
Claims
1. A combustion assembly, comprising: a single stage gas valve; a
burner member having a flame end; a spark generating member
configured to generate a spark in response to a spark signal, the
spark generating member being positioned adjacent to the flame end
of the burner member; a flame sensing member configured to sense
the presence of a flame, the flame sensing member being positioned
adjacent to the flame end of the burner member; and a controller
configured to control the valve, spark generating member, and flame
sensing member for the generation of a flame at the flame end of
the burner member.
2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a grounding member
extending from the flame end of the burner assembly, the grounding
member providing a grounding function for the generation of a spark
by the spark generating member and a grounding function for the
flame sensing member.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to
provide a valve open signal to the single stage valve to provide a
flow of gas to the burner member, to provide a spark signal to the
spark generating member generates a spark to ignite the flow of
gas, to receive a flame sense signal from the flame sensing member
related to the state of the flame, and to provide a valve closed
signal to stop the flow of gas when the flame sense signal
indicates no flame is present.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the single stage valve includes
a regulator, the regulator including a magnetic member and a
moveable valve member, the magnetic member being configured to move
the moveable valve member between opened and closed positions in
respond to a change in polarization of the magnetic member.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the gas valve includes an
electromagnetic member, a gas conduit, and a moveable plate
moveable in response to magnetic forces provided by the
electromagnetic member to open or close the gas conduit to provide
the flow of gas.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the vent assembly does not
include a pilot valve or a pilot flame.
7. A gas burner assembly, comprising: a burner device having a gas
outlet at a flame end of the burner device, the burner device being
configured to generate a flame that extends from the flame end; a
single stage gas valve including a single valve member movable
between a closed position obstructing a gas flow path through the
valve wherein no gas flow is provided to the burner device and an
open position removed from the gas path wherein a gas flow is
provided to the gas outlet of the burner device; a flame sensing
device positioned adjacent to the flame end of the burner device
and configured to provide a flame signal indicative of the presence
of the flame; and an ignition device positioned adjacent to the
flame end of the burner device and configured to provide a spark
when the gas valve is open, the spark igniting the flow of gas out
of the gas outlet of the burner device to generate the flame;
wherein the gas valve automatically moves to the closed position
when the flame signal indicates that no flame is present.
8. The gas burner assembly of claim 7, further comprising a
grounding member extending from the flame end of the burner
assembly, wherein the grounding member provides a grounding
function for the generation of a spark by the ignition device and
provides a grounding function for the flame sensing device.
9. The gas burner assembly of claim 7, wherein the burner has an
elongate structure and defines a conduit that extends along a
length of the burner, and an axis of the conduit is aligned in a
vertical orientation in alignment with an outlet conduit of the gas
valve.
10. A gas lantern, comprising: a support stand; a lamp housing
supported by the support stand; and the gas burner assembly of
claim 7 positioned at least partially within the support stand and
the lamp housing.
11. A method of generating and monitoring a flame with a combustion
assembly, the combustion assembly including a gas valve, a burner
device, an ignition system, and a flame sense member, the gas valve
including a regulator member that control the flow of gas out of
the gas valve, the burner device including a gas outlet at a flame
end of the burner device, the method comprising the steps of:
opening the gas valve with the regulator to provide a flow of gas
from the gas valve to the gas outlet of the burner device;
generating a spark with the ignition system for igniting the flow
of gas into a flame at the flame end of the burner device, the
flame providing light generated by the combustion assembly; sensing
the state of the flame with the flame sense member; and closing the
gas valve when the presence of the flame is not sensed by the flame
sense member.
12. The method of claim 11, coupling a grounding member to the
burner device at the flame end, the grounding member extending into
a path of the flame, wherein the grounding member provides
grounding for generation of a spark by the ignition system and
grounding for the flame sense member.
13. The method of claim 1 1, further comprising repeating the
opening, generating and sensing steps after the closing step until
a flame is sensed by the flame sense device.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the combination further
includes a controller, wherein the controller provides a valve
signal for opening and closing the gas valve, provides an ignition
signal for control of the ignition system, and receives flame
signals from the flame sense member related to the state of the
flame.
15. The method of claim 1 1, further comprising waiting a first
predetermined time period between the opening and generating steps
and a second predetermined time period between the generating and
sensing steps.
16. The method of claim 1 1, wherein after the flame sense member
senses that no flame is present, repeating the generating and
sensing steps before the closing step.
17. A lantern single stage gas valve and burner assembly,
comprising: a valve housing having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; a
moveable plate positioned between the gas inlet and the gas outlet
to control gas flow through the valve housing; a magnetoresistive
member configured to move the moveable plate upon activation by a
power input; a power source that provides the power input in the
range of about 1 to 6 volts DC; a burner assembly coupled to the
housing and configured to produce a flame; wherein the
magnetoresistive member automatically moves the moveable plate to
stop gas flow when no flame is present at the burner assembly.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the power input is about 3
volts DC.
19. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the power input is provided
in the form of AC or DC power.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to gas valves and
burner assemblies, and more specifically relates to a single stage
gas valve that is regulated based on flame conditions at the burner
assembly.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Gas burners are used in a variety of applications including,
for example, fireplaces, boilers, hot water heaters, furnaces, gas
grills, cooking stoves and ovens, lanterns, etc. In each
application, the gas burner must meet specifications related to,
for example, available power, efficiency ratings, safety, etc. that
are often unique to that application. Most gas burners are used in
combination with an ignition system and a gas valve that controls
the flow of gas fuel to the burner for ignition into a flame by the
ignition system.
[0005] One important safety concern related to gas burners is the
inadvertent release of unburned gas via the burner. This situation
may occur if, for example, the ignition system fails to properly
ignite the flame and the gas valve remains open, resulting in the
release of gas through the burner. If the ignition then engages,
that can cause dangerous ignition of the gas. This is sometimes
called delayed ignition. Some ignition systems and related burner
control systems include sensors that monitor a flame condition at
the burner to ensure that a flame is present within a predetermined
time period of the gas valve being open and the ignition system
generating a spark to ignite a flame.
[0006] Other systems include a pilot light that provides a constant
spark/flame at the burner to ensure that any gas flow that is
provided to the burner will result in the generation of a flame
that burns the gas flow. The addition of a pilot light can add
additional cost, complexity, and inefficiency to a gas burner and
its related gas valve, ignition and control systems.
[0007] Gas burner systems used with light fixtures such as gas
lanterns have historically been at least partially manually
operable. In one configuration, such manual systems include a
manual valve that must be turned on and off, and a separate igniter
that must be activated to ignite the gas into a flame. In other
configurations, the igniter, gas valve, or other features may at
least partially automatically function. However, no known
configurations provide automated features that provide both safety
and efficiency required to meet some types of certifications, such
as CSA certificates of compliance. As a Nationally Recognized
Testing Laboratory (NRTL) accredited by OSHA, CSA International can
test and certify products following standardized test protocols in
laboratories across the United States. CSA International tests to
applicable U.S. standards, including ANSI, UL, CSA, NSF, and many
others.
[0008] A gas burner that can operate without a pilot light while
addressing the safety and efficiency issues noted above would be an
advance in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to gas valves and burner
assemblies that are functional without the use of a pilot light.
One objective of the present invention is to provide a gas valve,
wherein an electromagnetic valve is used to control the output of
gas to a gas burner. The electromagnetic valve is regulated based
on sensor feedback at the gas burner. The electromagnetic valve is
closed if a flame is not sensed at the burner when the flame is
intended to be present, and maintains an open position if the flame
is sensed when intended to be present.
[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a combustion assembly
that includes a single stage gas valve, a burner member having a
flame end, a spark generating member, a flame sensing member, and a
controller. The spark generating member generates a spark in
response to a spark signal and is positioned adjacent to the flame
end of the burner member. The flame sensing member senses the
presence of a flame and is also positioned adjacent to the flame
end. The controller provides a valve open signal to the valve to
control a flow of gas to the burner member, provides a spark signal
to the spark generating member to generate a spark that ignites the
flow of gas, receives a flame sense signal from the flame sensing
member related to the state of the flame, and provides a valve
closed signal to stop the flow of gas when the flame sense signal
indicates no flame is present.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention relates to a gas burner
assembly that includes a single stage gas valve, a burner device, a
flame sense device, and an ignition device. The burner device of
the combination includes a gas outlet at a flame end of the burner
device and is configured to generate a flame that extends from the
flame end. The gas valve of the combination is a single stage gas
valve that is movable between a closed position wherein no gas flow
is provided to the burner device and an open position wherein a gas
flow is provided to the gas outlet of the burner device. The flame
sense device of the combination is positioned adjacent to the flame
end of the burner device and is configured to provide a flame
signal indicative of the presence of the flame. The ignition device
of the combination is also positioned adjacent to the flame end of
the burner device and is configured to provide a spark when the gas
valve is open, the spark igniting the flow of gas out of the gas
outlet of the burner device to generate the flame. The gas valve
closes when the flame signal indicates that no flame is
present.
[0012] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of
generating and monitoring a flame with a combustion assembly, the
combustion assembly including a gas valve, a burner device, an
ignition system, and a flame sense member. The gas valve includes a
regulator member that controls the flow of gas out of the gas
valve. The burner device includes a gas outlet at a flame end of
the burner device. The method includes opening the gas valve with
the regulator to provide a flow of gas from the gas valve to the
gas outlet of the burner device, generating a spark with the
ignition system for igniting the flow of gas into a flame at the
flame end of the burner device, sensing the state of the flame with
the flame sense member, and closing the gas valve when the presence
of the flame is not sensed by the flame sense member.
[0013] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a lantern
single stage gas valve and burner assembly that includes a valve
housing, a moveable plate, a mangnetoresistive member, a power
source, and a burner assembly. The valve housing includes a gas
inlet and a gas outlet and the moveable plate is positioned between
the gas inlet and the gas outlet to control gas flow through the
valve housing. The magnetoresistive member is configured to move
the moveable plate upon activation by a power input. The power
source provides the power input in the range of about 1 to 6 volts
DC. The burner assembly is coupled to the housing and configured to
produce a flame. The magnetoresistive member automatically moves
the moveable plate to stop gas flow when no flame is present at the
burner assembly.
[0014] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of
the present invention. The Figures and the detailed description
that follow more particularly exemplify certain embodiments of the
invention. While certain embodiments will be illustrated and
describe embodiments of the invention, the invention is not limited
to use in such embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly in a possible
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a top view of the assembly of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in
FIG. 5 taken along cross-sectional indicators 6-6;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram for the assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an example gas lantern that includes the assembly
of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the gas lantern shown in
FIG. 8; and
[0025] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating steps of an example
method of using the assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternate forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example and the drawings, and will be described in detail. It
should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit
the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] The present invention generally relates to gas valve and
burner assemblies and related sensing, ignition, and control
systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
combustion system or assembly that includes a single stage valve, a
burner member having a flame end, a spark generating member, a
flame sensing member, and a controller. The controller sends and
receives signals related to the flow of gas from the gas valve to
the burner member, the generation of a spark to ignite a flame at
the flame end of the burner member, and a sensed state of the flame
provided by the flame sensing member. This example configuration
provides generation and monitoring of a flame without the use of a
pilot flame or pilot valve, thus reducing the complexity and cost
of the combustion system as compared to some known combustion
systems. In some embodiments, this example configuration is
operable using solely a DC power input, making it possible to
operate the system use a low voltage battery pack rather than an AC
power input.
[0028] As used herein, the terms "combustion system" and
"combustion assembly" relate to a system or device that is
configured to combust a combustible material such as natural gas or
liquid propane in a controller manner. A "controller" as used
herein may be any control device such as a microprocessor or
assembly of circuit components that sends and receives signals. A
"single stage valve" is defined as a valve having valve components
that controls a single input and output flow of fluid through the
valve.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, an example combustion assembly
10 is shown and described. Assembly 10 includes a single stage
valve 12, a burner member 14, an ignition member 16, a flame sense
member 18, a mounting bracket 20, a gas conduit 22, and a
controller 24. The controller 24 controls the generation of a flame
at the burner 14 in response to an open or closed position of the
valve 12, sparks generated by the ignition member 16, and a state
of the flame determined by the flame sense member 18.
[0030] The single stage valve 12 includes a base 30, a cover 32, a
seal 34, a regulator 36, an electromagnetic member 50, a movable
valve plate 52, a conduit 54, a shield 56, and a valve connector
cable 58. The base 30 includes an inlet collar 40, an outlet collar
42, an inlet channel 44, and an outlet channel 46. The regulator 36
controls a position of the moveable valve plate 52 in response to
open and close valve signals from the controller 24. The regulator
36 applies an electric charge to the electromagnetic member 50 that
creates an axial force, which when applied to the plate 52 can move
the plate 52 relative to an opening 55 into the conduit 54. The
shield 56 provides both physical and electrical shielding of the
plate 52 to ensure that the plate maintains the open or closed
position. When the plate 52 is in the open position relative to
opening 55, gas flows through the inlet channel 44, through the
opening 55 into the conduit 54, and through the outlet channel 46
into the gas conduit 22 for combustion at the burner member 14.
[0031] While the valve 12 is well suited for providing precise
control of fluid flow through the valve in response to an incoming
signal from the controller 24, other valve embodiments may be used.
For example, a magnetic motor, a stepper motor, or a linear
actuator could be used to control gas flow to the burner member
14.
[0032] The burner member 14 includes a flame opening 60 at a flame
end 61, and a grounding member 62 having an end tip 64. The burner
member 14 has a generally elongate body with a conduit 65 extending
along the length of the burner member 14 (see FIG. 6). The conduit
65 is oriented substantially coaxially with the gas conduit 22 and
the inlet and outlet collars 40, 42 of the valve 12. As a result,
the combustion assembly 10 has a generally elongate configuration,
which makes it possible for the combustion assembly 10 to fit
within an elongate structure such as, for example, a cylinder
having a diameter no smaller than a maximum width W (see FIG. 3) of
the combustion assembly 10. One application for a combustion
assembly having the elongate construction shown in FIGS. 1-6 is
useful with a gas lantern, wherein the combustion assembly 10 is
positioned within a cylindrical post that supports the lamp. An
example lamp assembly is shown and described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/803,535 filed on Mar. 17, 2004, and
entitled Gas Light Systems and Methods of Operation, which
application is incorporated herein by reference.
[0033] The ignition member 16 includes a sparking tip 70 and a
connector cable 72. The ignition member 16 is structured and
mounted to the mounting bracket 20 at a position so as to orient
the spark tip 70 at a preferred distance from the flame opening 60
of the burner member 14. Due to the spacing between the spark tip
70 and the flame end 61 of the burner member 14 that is preferred
for minimizing obstruction of the flame, the ignition member 16 may
have difficulty generating a spark when using the flame end 61 as
an electrical ground member. Typically, the burner member 14
provides the ground through which the spark tip 70 creates a spark.
To reduce the distance between the grounding member and the spark
tip 70, the grounding member 62 has been added to the burner member
14. The grounding member 62 may include a pointed end tip 64 that
provides minimal interruption of the flame shape while still
providing the desired grounding function. In some embodiments,
grounding can be provided with a two-wire system that sends power
and ground to the desired sight using two or more conductors. In
some embodiments, the ignition member may function via a
thermocouple-voltage response or via a thermopile-voltage
generation.
[0034] The flame sense member 18 includes a sensor tip 80 and a
conductor cable 82. The flame sense member 18 is also mounted to
the bracket 20 and is shaped so as to position the sensor tip 80 at
a desired distance from the flame end 61 of the burner member 14.
The flame generated by the burner member 14 is an ionized flame and
requires grounding in order for the flame sense member 18 to
determine whether the flame is in existence. Therefore, the
grounding member 62 has been included as an extension of the burner
member 14 to provide a grounding member in contact with the flame
so as to activate sensing of the flame by the flame sense member
18.
[0035] Both the spark tip 70 and sensor tip 80 are sized and
positioned relative to the flame end 61 of the burner member 14 so
as to provide minimal disruption of the flame generated by the
burner member. This minimized obstruction of the flame is
especially important when the combustion assembly 10 is used solely
for generating light in a lantern application. In other
applications, obstruction or disruption of the flame may be less
important.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 2, the bracket 20 may include first
and second members 90, 92. The members 90, 92 are configured for
mounting the valve 12 relative to the burner member 14, ignition
member 16, and flame sense member 18, and for mounting the bracket
20 to a mounting surface to which the combustion assembly 10 is
secured. In other embodiments, different bracket configurations or
additional bracket members may be used for mounting various
features of the assembly 10.
[0037] The valve 12, burner member 14, ignition member 16, flame
sense member 18, and controller 24 are operable using a relatively
low power input, and may function using a DC voltage input. A
system that requires only DC power makes it possible to operate the
system using a battery pack (e.g., battery pack 25 shown in FIG. 1)
rather than an AC power source. A system that can operate using DC
battery power may be particularly useful with a gas lantern,
wherein the gas lantern can be positioned at any location around a
living structure or yard without the need for an AC power
connection. Positioning of such a gas lantern may be further
unrestricted if the gas lantern uses a portable fuel source, such
as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/803,535. Other
embodiments may be configured for using AC power or may include a
converter or other capabilities that permit the system to function
using either AC or DC power.
[0038] The controller may be a separate controller that is
positioned remotely from the valve 12, burner 14, ignition member
16, and flame sense member 18 as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.
However, other embodiments may include the controller mounted
directly to the valve (e.g., adjacent to the regulator 36 on the
cover 32 of the valve), or to the mounting bracket 20 or other
space interposed between various features of the combustion
assembly 10. Example devices for use as the controller include a
micro-based controller and a series of amplifying transistors.
[0039] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an example gas lantern 100 that
includes the example combustion assembly 10. Some portions of the
assembly 10 (e.g., the valve 12) may be positioned within a
cylindrical post 102 of the lantern 100 while other portions of the
assembly 10 (e.g., the burner member 14, the ignition member 16,
and the flame sense member 16) may be positioned within a light
housing 104 of the lantern 100. The lantern 100 includes an on/off
switch 106 that is coupled to the controller 24 of the combustion
assembly 10.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 7, a schematic circuit diagram
representing the control functions of the combustion assembly 10 is
shown. The specific values for the various components can vary
depending on the system requirements. Further, the schematic of
FIG. 7 is only one of many configurations possible for providing
the desired control of the combustion assembly 10. The diagram
shown in FIG. 7 functions generally to provide the method steps
described with reference to FIG. 10 given the inputs and outputs
shown.
[0041] According to a first step of the example method shown in
FIG. 9, a gas valve is opened with a regulator to provide a flow of
gas from the gas valve to the gas outlet for the burner device. As
discussed above, the regulator of the gas valve is controlled by an
open valve control signal provided by the controller. In some
embodiments, the open valve control signal may come directly from a
user input such as, for example, by a manual activation of the
valve into an open position. As noted above, the gas valve may
include an electromagnetic member, a moveable valve plate, and a
plurality of conduits and openings that provide for gas flow
through the gas valve and to the outlet of the burner device for
combustion into a flame.
[0042] Another method step includes generating a spark within an
ignition system for igniting the flow of gas into a flame at a
flame end of the burner device. The ignition system may generate a
spark between a spark tip of an ignition member of the ignition
system and a grounding member that extends from the flame end of
the burner member.
[0043] Another method step includes sensing the state of the flame
with a flame sensing member. The flame sensing member may include a
sensor tip that is spaced apart from a flame end of the burner
member. The grounding member that extends from the flame end of the
burner member may provide the necessary grounding required for the
ionized flame to be sensed by the sensor tip of the flame sensing
member. In the event that a flame has not been ignited after the
gas valve has been opened and a spark has been generated, the flame
sensing member will provide a flame sense signal that indicates
that a flame is not present. In response to such a flame sense
signal, the gas valve is automatically closed.
[0044] In all of the above-described steps, the controller may be
used to send and receive the various signals related to opening and
closing of the gas valve, generating a spark, and sensing the state
of the flame. The controller may also be used to generate the
sequence of events related to the method steps. The controller may
also be used to interpose predetermined time periods in between the
various method steps. For example, after the controller sends a
valve open signal to open the valve, the controller may wait a
predetermined time period (e.g., about 1 to 2 seconds) before
sending a spark signal to the ignition system for generating a
spark. After sending the spark signal, the controller may wait
another predetermined time period before activating the sensing
member at which time the sensing member senses the state of the
flame. If a controller does not immediately receive a sensing
signal from the flame sense member that a flame exists, the
controller may again activate the flame sense member to sense for
the state of the flame, or may first send another spark signal to
the ignition system for generation of a spark prior to activating
the sensing member again. The controller may also wait a
predetermined time period between the time at which the controller
determines that a flame is not in existence and when the gas valve
is closed, although it is preferable for the gas valve to be closed
immediately upon the controller determining that the flame is not
in existence.
[0045] According to the above description, the system can be fully
automated during the process of igniting the flame once activated
(typically by a user) to start the ignition sequence) and ensuring
that the flame is present when intended to be present. This
automated system provides a relatively high level of safety for the
system with respect to minimizing the occurrence of an inadvertent
release of unburned gas from the burner. Furthermore, this
automated system makes it possible to generate a controlled flame
without the need for a pilot light, thus increasing the fuel
efficiency and minimizing the complexity and cost of the
system.
[0046] The present invention should not be considered limited to
the particular examples or materials described above, but rather
should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as
fairly set out in the attached claims. Various modifications,
equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the
present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to
those of skill in the art to which the present invention is
directed upon review of the instant specification.
* * * * *