Self-powered intermittent ignition and control system for gas combustion appliances
US4778378A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1986 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/1407
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-powered control system for a gas-fired appliance having a pilot burner and a main burner includes an emissive surface in the flame of the pilot burner and a photovoltaic device for irradiation from the emissive surface for providing electrical power for the control system. Two normally closed electromagnetic latching valves are arranged in series between a source of fuel gas and the main burner with a connection to the pilot burner between the two valves. The first valve is latched open when the photovoltaic device is irradiated by the emissive surface and is unlatched to close when the device is not so irradiated. The second valve is unlatched to close when the main burner is not burning. A double acting solenoid or the like is used for sequentially opening the first and second valves for lighting the pilot and main burners. A safe, reliable control system is thereby provided without external electrical power. Similar principles are used for powering a safety flue damper and air flow fan.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.