US3645661A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Burner control system
Assignee: Robertshaw US Holding Corp
•
Filing: 1969-08-06
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Granted: 1972-02-29
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Expires: 1989-08-06
Abstract
Abstract A burner control system is disclosed including a burner and fuel supply structure controlling the flow of fuel to the burner. Circuitry for controlling operation of the fuel supply structure includes an AC power supply, a voltage doubler arrangement, a relay, and a condition responsive switch for connecting the relay across the voltage doubler. The condition responsive switch is preferably an electronic switch rendered conductive when flame is sensed at the burner. The relay is operatively energized only in response to an applied voltage which is greater than the peak power supply voltage. If any component of the control circuitry short circuits, or otherwise fails, the relay cannot be operatively energized thus preventing the supply of fuel to the burner.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth C Goodman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:26
CPC Classifications
F; F23; F23N; F23N5/00; F23N5/20; F23N5/203; F23N5/02; F23N5/12; F23N5/123; F23Q; F23Q1/00; F23Q1/02; F23Q1/06; F23N2227/00; F23N2227/28; F23N2229/00; F23N2231/00; F23N2231/10; F23N2231/12; F23N2239/00; F23N2239/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
326 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit comprising a voltage responsive element for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said element operable to said second condition only in response to application of a predetermined voltage thereacross which is greater than the maximum peak voltage which can be applied thereacross directly from said power supply; d. an electronic switch means connected in a series circuit with said element for completing and interrupting a circuit through said element in response to a detected condition; and, e. a voltage increasing circuit connected to said power supply and having an output connected across said element and said electronic switch means, said voltage increasing circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said element which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; f. said electronic means properly operating to complete a circuit across said output of said voltage increasing circuit through said voltage responsive element only during first alternate half cycles of said power supply in response to said detected condition and blocking conduction during all second alternate power supply half cycles and during first alternate power supply half cycles when said condition is not detected; and, g. means connected to said voltage increasing circuit and said electronic switch means for rendering said voltage increasing circuit ineffective to produce said predetermined voltage when said electronic switch means is improperly conductive during second alternate power supply half cycles whereby said voltage responsive element is immediately operated to and maintained in said first condition regardless of detection of said condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
326 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit comprising a voltage responsive element for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said element operable to said second condition only in response to application of a predetermined voltage thereacross which is greater than the maximum peak voltage which can be applied thereacross directly from said power supply; d. an electronic switch means connected in a series circuit with said element for completing and interrupting a circuit through said element in response to a detected condition; and, e. a voltage increasing circuit connected to said power supply and having an output connected across said element and said electronic switch means, said voltage increasing circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said element which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; f. said electronic means properly operating to complete a circuit across said output of said voltage increasing circuit through said voltage responsive element only during first alternate half cycles of said power supply in response to said detected condition and blocking conduction during all second alternate power supply half cycles and during first alternate power supply half cycles when said condition is not detected; and, g. means connected to said voltage increasing circuit and said electronic switch means for rendering said voltage increasing circuit ineffective to produce said predetermined voltage when said electronic switch means is improperly conductive during second alternate power supply half cycles whereby said voltage responsive element is immediately operated to and maintained in said first condition regardless of detection of said condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A system as claimed in claim 1 and further including means for detecting combustion at said burner, said detecting means effective to operate said switch to complete said circuit through said element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
212 words
In combustion apparatus including burner control circuitry for opening a normally closed fuel valve in response to combustion at said burner, said circuitry comprising: a. an electrical power supply; b. a valve operating circuit comprising an operating element for effecting opening of said valve, said valve operating circuit effecting opening of said valve only in response to a predetermined applied voltage across said valve operating circuit which is of greater magnitude than the maximum voltage which can be applied thereacross directly from said power supply; c. circuit means connected to said power supply and having an output connected to said valve operating circuit for applying at least said predetermined voltage acRoss said valve operating circuit; d. combustion responsive switching means connected in series with said element, said switching means rendered conductive in response to detection of combustion whereby said valve is maintained open by operation of said valve operating circuit, said switching means remaining nonconductive at all other times during proper operation thereof; and, e. means cooperating with said switching means and said circuit means for disabling said circuit means from providing said predetermined voltage when said switching means is improperly conductive whereby said operating element is immediately rendered ineffective to open said valve even though said valve operating circuit is conductive.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
212 words
In combustion apparatus including burner control circuitry for opening a normally closed fuel valve in response to combustion at said burner, said circuitry comprising: a. an electrical power supply; b. a valve operating circuit comprising an operating element for effecting opening of said valve, said valve operating circuit effecting opening of said valve only in response to a predetermined applied voltage across said valve operating circuit which is of greater magnitude than the maximum voltage which can be applied thereacross directly from said power supply; c. circuit means connected to said power supply and having an output connected to said valve operating circuit for applying at least said predetermined voltage acRoss said valve operating circuit; d. combustion responsive switching means connected in series with said element, said switching means rendered conductive in response to detection of combustion whereby said valve is maintained open by operation of said valve operating circuit, said switching means remaining nonconductive at all other times during proper operation thereof; and, e. means cooperating with said switching means and said circuit means for disabling said circuit means from providing said predetermined voltage when said switching means is improperly conductive whereby said operating element is immediately rendered ineffective to open said valve even though said valve operating circuit is conductive.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said power supply produces alternating current and said circuit means comprises a voltage doubler connected to said power supply and effective to provide said predetermined voltage to said element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
187 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means operable to permit and prevent the supply of fuel to said burner, circuitry for controlling operation of said fuel supply means comprising: a. an electric power supply; b. a voltage responsive coil element having a first condition in which said fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition for enabling said fuel supply means to permit fuel flow to said burner; c. said voltage-responsive coil element operated to said second condition only in response to a predetermined applied voltage greater than the power supply voltage; d. circuit means for applying said predetermined voltage to said coil element in response to a sensed condition, said circuit means comprising an electronic switch connected between said power supply and said coil for blocking current flow in one direction and rendered conductive to enable current flow in said coil in an opposite direction; and, e. a capacitor connected in parallel with said coil said capacitor charging when said switch is conductive and discharging when said switch blocks current flow to said element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
187 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means operable to permit and prevent the supply of fuel to said burner, circuitry for controlling operation of said fuel supply means comprising: a. an electric power supply; b. a voltage responsive coil element having a first condition in which said fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition for enabling said fuel supply means to permit fuel flow to said burner; c. said voltage-responsive coil element operated to said second condition only in response to a predetermined applied voltage greater than the power supply voltage; d. circuit means for applying said predetermined voltage to said coil element in response to a sensed condition, said circuit means comprising an electronic switch connected between said power supply and said coil for blocking current flow in one direction and rendered conductive to enable current flow in said coil in an opposite direction; and, e. a capacitor connected in parallel with said coil said capacitor charging when said switch is conductive and discharging when said switch blocks current flow to said element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
291 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit comprising a voltage-responsive element for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said element operable to said second condition only in response to a predetermined voltage thereacross which is greater than the maximum voltage which could be applied thereacross directly from said power supply, said voltage-responsive element being, at all other times, in said first condition wherein said fuel supply means prevents supply of fuel to said burner; d. an electronic switch means connected in a circuit with said element for completing and interrupting a circuit through said element, said switch means capable of conduction only during first alternate half cycles of said power supply when operating properly; e. a voltage increasing circuit connected to said power supply and across said element and said switch means, and voltage increasing circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said element which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; f. combustion detecting means at said burner, said detecting means effective to operate said switch means to complete said circuit through said element; and, g. means cooperating with said switch means and said voltage increasing means for rendering said voltage increasing means ineffective to provide said predetermined voltage across said element when said switch means is improperly conduCtive during second alternate power supply half cycles.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
291 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit comprising a voltage-responsive element for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said element operable to said second condition only in response to a predetermined voltage thereacross which is greater than the maximum voltage which could be applied thereacross directly from said power supply, said voltage-responsive element being, at all other times, in said first condition wherein said fuel supply means prevents supply of fuel to said burner; d. an electronic switch means connected in a circuit with said element for completing and interrupting a circuit through said element, said switch means capable of conduction only during first alternate half cycles of said power supply when operating properly; e. a voltage increasing circuit connected to said power supply and across said element and said switch means, and voltage increasing circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said element which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; f. combustion detecting means at said burner, said detecting means effective to operate said switch means to complete said circuit through said element; and, g. means cooperating with said switch means and said voltage increasing means for rendering said voltage increasing means ineffective to provide said predetermined voltage across said element when said switch means is improperly conduCtive during second alternate power supply half cycles.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
287 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit comprising a voltage-responsive element for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said element operable to said second condition only in response to a predetermined voltage applied across said fuel supply controlling circuit which is greater than the maximum voltage which can be applied thereacross directly from said power supply; d. an electronic switch means connected in a circuit with said element for completing and interrupting a circuit through said element, said switch means being capable of completing said circuit during first alternate half cycles of said power supply and blocking current to said element during second alternate half cycles when properly operating; e. a voltage increasing circuit connected to said power supply and across said fuel supply controlling circuit and said switch means, said voltage increasing circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said fuel supply controlling circuit which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; and, f. means connecting said switch means and said voltage increasing circuit for disabling said voltage increasing circuit when said switch means is improperly conductive during second alternate power supply half cycles, said voltage increasing circuit thereby rendered ineffective to produce said predetermined voltage to prevent fuel supply to the burner so long as said switch means is improperly conductive.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
287 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit comprising a voltage-responsive element for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said element operable to said second condition only in response to a predetermined voltage applied across said fuel supply controlling circuit which is greater than the maximum voltage which can be applied thereacross directly from said power supply; d. an electronic switch means connected in a circuit with said element for completing and interrupting a circuit through said element, said switch means being capable of completing said circuit during first alternate half cycles of said power supply and blocking current to said element during second alternate half cycles when properly operating; e. a voltage increasing circuit connected to said power supply and across said fuel supply controlling circuit and said switch means, said voltage increasing circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said fuel supply controlling circuit which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; and, f. means connecting said switch means and said voltage increasing circuit for disabling said voltage increasing circuit when said switch means is improperly conductive during second alternate power supply half cycles, said voltage increasing circuit thereby rendered ineffective to produce said predetermined voltage to prevent fuel supply to the burner so long as said switch means is improperly conductive.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
291 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit comprising a voltage-responsive element for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said element operable to said second condition only in response to a predetermined voltage thereacross which is greater than the maximum voltage which can be applied thereacross directly from said power supply; d. an electronic switch means having a control electrode, said electronic switch capable of conduction only during first alternate half cycles of said power supply and blocking conduction during second alternate power supply half cycles; e. a voltage doubling circuit connected to said power supply and across said fuel supply controlling circuit and said switch means, said doubling circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said element which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; f. combustion responsive circuitry for providing signals to said control electrode for rendering said switch conductive during said first alternate half cycles, said combustion responsive circuitry effective to provide said signals only in response to combustion at said burner; and, g. means cooperating with said electronic switch for preventing said voltage doubler circuit from producing said predetermined voltage when said electronic switch is improperly conductive during second alternate power supply half cycles, said voltage responsive element thereupon being operated to its first condition so that fuel supply to said burner is prevented.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
291 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit comprising a voltage-responsive element for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said element operable to said second condition only in response to a predetermined voltage thereacross which is greater than the maximum voltage which can be applied thereacross directly from said power supply; d. an electronic switch means having a control electrode, said electronic switch capable of conduction only during first alternate half cycles of said power supply and blocking conduction during second alternate power supply half cycles; e. a voltage doubling circuit connected to said power supply and across said fuel supply controlling circuit and said switch means, said doubling circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said element which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; f. combustion responsive circuitry for providing signals to said control electrode for rendering said switch conductive during said first alternate half cycles, said combustion responsive circuitry effective to provide said signals only in response to combustion at said burner; and, g. means cooperating with said electronic switch for preventing said voltage doubler circuit from producing said predetermined voltage when said electronic switch is improperly conductive during second alternate power supply half cycles, said voltage responsive element thereupon being operated to its first condition so that fuel supply to said burner is prevented.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
267 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit including a voltage-responsive coil for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said coil operable to said second condition only in response to a predetermined voltage thereacross which is greater than the maximum voltage which can be applied thereacross by said power supply; d. an electronic switch means connected in a circuit with said coil for completing and interrupting a circuit through said coil, said switch means completing said circuit during first alternate half cycles of said power supply and blocking current to said coil during second alternate half cycles. e. a voltage doubling circuit connected to said power supply and across said coil and said switch means, said doubling circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said coil which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; and, f. a capacitor connected in parallel with said coil, said capacitor charging to at least said predetermined voltage through said switch means when said coil is in the second condition and discharging through said coil during said second alternate half cycles of said power supply to maintain said coil in said second condition when said switch means blocks conduction.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
267 words
In a burner control system having a burner, and fuel supply means for controlling the supply of fuel to said burner, electrical circuitry controlling the fuel supply means comprising: a. an alternating current electrical power supply; b. a fuel supply controlling circuit including a voltage-responsive coil for effecting operation of said fuel supply means and having a first condition in which the fuel supply means prevents the supply of fuel to said burner and a second condition wherein said fuel supply means enables the supply of fuel to said burner; c. said coil operable to said second condition only in response to a predetermined voltage thereacross which is greater than the maximum voltage which can be applied thereacross by said power supply; d. an electronic switch means connected in a circuit with said coil for completing and interrupting a circuit through said coil, said switch means completing said circuit during first alternate half cycles of said power supply and blocking current to said coil during second alternate half cycles. e. a voltage doubling circuit connected to said power supply and across said coil and said switch means, said doubling circuit effective to produce an output voltage across said coil which is in excess of the predetermined voltage; and, f. a capacitor connected in parallel with said coil, said capacitor charging to at least said predetermined voltage through said switch means when said coil is in the second condition and discharging through said coil during said second alternate half cycles of said power supply to maintain said coil in said second condition when said switch means blocks conduction.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for rendering said voltage increasing circuit comprises a capacitor connected in parallel with said voltage-responsive element.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system claimed in claim 10 wherein said voltage increasing circuit comprises a voltage doubling circuit including a capacitor connected in series with said fuel supply controlling circuit and a diode connected in parallel with said fuel supply controlling circuit, said doubler effective to provide a pulsating DC voltage to said fuel supply controlling circuit which is greater than the peak power supply voltage.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system claimed in claim 10 wherein said voltage-responsive element comprises a coil and said fuel controlling circuit further comprises a resistor connected in series with said coil to control the voltage drop across said coil when said electronic switch means conducts.
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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) | 1975-02-28 | 1975-08-30 | 1976-02-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-28 | 1979-08-30 | 1980-02-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-28 | 1983-08-30 | 1984-02-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |