US4055164A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for automatic gas ignition control
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-07-09
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Granted: 1977-10-25
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Expires: 1996-07-09
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to an apparatus for automatic gas ignition control for igniting an auxiliary fire nozzle and main fire nozzle in a water heater, to precisely, safely and automatically ignite the gas. The apparatus for automatic gas ignition control according to the present invention provides an alarm to give early warning if the unit is not being fed a sufficient amount of gas. Further, this invention provides a gas flow controller to control the flow rate of gas dependent upon the change of water level or pressure requirements. Also this invention provides an electric circuit for igniting the auxiliary fire and the main fire. If any component in the electric circuits is damaged, the circuit will cease to operate or function and no gas will flow. This provides an absolute protection avoiding accidents.
Inventors
- 👤 Tu Wu-Heng
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 07:22
CPC Classifications
F; F23; F23N; F23N5/00; F23N5/02; F23N5/08; F23N5/082; F23N5/24; F23N5/242; F23Q; F23Q3/00; F24; F24H; F24H15/00; F24H15/20; F24H15/242; F24H15/246; F24H15/30; F24H15/305; F24H15/31; F24H15/395; F24H9/00; F24H9/20; F24H9/2007; F24H9/2035; F23N2227/00; F23N2227/22; F23N2227/28; F23N2227/30; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/7287; Y10T137/7358; Y10T137/7361
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
232 words
An apparatus for automatic gas ignition control which comprises: a. a water level sensor, micro switch, and gas flow controller for regulating the gas flow in accordance with changes in water level above a predetermined water level, said micro switch changing states when the water falls below said predetermined level; b. an alarm mechanism including pressure measuring means, said mechanism indicating when the gas pressure upstream of said controller is below a predetermined level; c. automatic gas control apparatus for controlling an auxiliary fire and a main fire, connected to said gas flow controller; d. a high voltage electric ignition circuit for igniting said auxiliary fire; e. an electric ignition circuit for igniting said main fire; and wherein said automatic gas control apparatus for producing an auxiliary fire and a main fire comprises a. a gas entrance port and a gas exit port for gas flow; b. an electromagnetic coil to produce magnetic force; c. a steel bar with a rubber diaphragm fixed thereon to be moved by the attraction of magnetic force produced by said electromagnetic coil, said diaphragm selectively allowing communication between said entrance port and said exit port; and d. a tension spring to restore said steel bar back to its initial position blocking said communication when said magnetic coil ceases to function; to thereby automatically control the gas flow in accordance with an electric current in said coil.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
232 words
An apparatus for automatic gas ignition control which comprises: a. a water level sensor, micro switch, and gas flow controller for regulating the gas flow in accordance with changes in water level above a predetermined water level, said micro switch changing states when the water falls below said predetermined level; b. an alarm mechanism including pressure measuring means, said mechanism indicating when the gas pressure upstream of said controller is below a predetermined level; c. automatic gas control apparatus for controlling an auxiliary fire and a main fire, connected to said gas flow controller; d. a high voltage electric ignition circuit for igniting said auxiliary fire; e. an electric ignition circuit for igniting said main fire; and wherein said automatic gas control apparatus for producing an auxiliary fire and a main fire comprises a. a gas entrance port and a gas exit port for gas flow; b. an electromagnetic coil to produce magnetic force; c. a steel bar with a rubber diaphragm fixed thereon to be moved by the attraction of magnetic force produced by said electromagnetic coil, said diaphragm selectively allowing communication between said entrance port and said exit port; and d. a tension spring to restore said steel bar back to its initial position blocking said communication when said magnetic coil ceases to function; to thereby automatically control the gas flow in accordance with an electric current in said coil.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
An automatic gas ignition control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said steel bar with rubber diaphragm fixed thereon is operable to control gas supply and gas cut-off by the electromagnetic energization or de-energization of said coil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
An automatic gas ignition control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said high voltage electric ignition circuits for igniting an auxiliary fire comprises: a switch, a first transistor, and a relay in circuit with a source of electric power; a second transistor in circuit with the base of said first transistor; and a photoresistor in circuit with the base of said second transistor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
An automatic gas ignition control apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising at least one resistor in circuit with said transistors, whereby the function of the change of contact points in said relay is effected by the change of bias of the base of the transistors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
An automatic gas ignition control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said photoresistor changes its resistance by the illumination of said auxiliary fire and thus is effective to change the state of contact points in said relay.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
An automatic gas ignition control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electric ignition circuit for igniting the main fire comprises a switch, a first transistor, and a relay in circuit with a source of electric power; a photoresistor and a second transistor in circuit with the base of said first transistor; and at least one resistor in circuit with the base of said second transistor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
An automatic gas ignition control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the function of change of contact points to said relay is effected by the change of bias of the base of said first transistor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
An automatic gas ignition control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the photoresistor changes its resistance by the illumination of said auxiliary fire and thus changes the bias state of the transistors and thus the state of contact points in said relay.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-10-24 | 1981-04-25 | 1981-10-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-10-24 | 1985-04-25 | 1985-10-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-10-24 | 1989-04-25 | 1989-10-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |