Multiple-output solenoid valve

Abstract

A multiple-output solenoid valve for selectively distributing a gas to a plurality of burners is provided. The multiple-output solenoid valve includes a manifold and a plurality of solenoids positioned therein. The valve has a single gas input, housing defining a manifold, and a plurality of gas outputs. Each of the plurality of gas outputs is coupled with one of the plurality of burners. Each of the plurality of solenoids resides in the manifold and is individually activatable to permit expulsion of the gas from one of the plurality of gas outputs.

1 . An apparatus for selectively distributing a gas in a gas range, the apparatus comprising: 
 a housing having a gas input, a manifold cavity, and a plurality of gas outputs; and    a plurality of solenoids residing in the manifold and individually activatable to release the gas from one of the plurality of outputs such that the gas is selectively distributed in the gas range.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing further defines a sealing flange between the manifold and the gas output.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of solenoids includes a plug, and wherein each of the plugs is engageable with an associated one of the plurality the sealing flanges to prevent expulsion of the gas from an associated one the plurality of gas outputs.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the plug is disengagable from the sealing flange to permit expulsion of the gas from an associated gas output.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of solenoids are individually electrically activatable.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a cover, the cover securable to the housing to encapsulate the plurality of solenoids in the manifold.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising a gasket, the gasket disposed between the cover and the housing when the cover is secured to the housing.  
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for selectively distributing a gas to a plurality of burners, the apparatus comprising: 
 a housing having a gas input, a manifold, and a plurality of gas outputs; and    a plurality of solenoids, each of the plurality of solenoids residing in the manifold and sealingly engaging an associated gas output to prevent fluid communication between the manifold and the gas output, the solenoids being individually activatable to permit fluid communication between the manifold and the gas output.    
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the housing further defines a sealing flange between the manifold and the gas outlet.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of solenoids includes a plug, each of the plugs engagable with one of the plurality the sealing flanges to inhibit fluid communication from the manifold to one the plurality of gas outputs.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of solenoids are operable to disengage the plug from the sealing flange to permit fluid communication from the manifold to one the plurality of gas outputs.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of solenoids are individually electrically activatable.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a gasket and a cover, the cover securable to the housing to compress the gasket between the cover and the housing and to encapsulate the plurality of solenoids in the manifold.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of solenoids include a first solenoid and a second solenoid, the first solenoid preventing the gas from expulsion from the manifold and the second solenoid simultaneously permitting the gas to be expelled from the manifold.  
     
     
         15 . A method of reducing a number of connections within a gas appliance having a plurality of burners, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a valve housing having a single gas inlet, a manifold, and a plurality of gas outlets;    incorporating a plurality of solenoids into the manifold of the valve housing, each solenoid selectively sealingly engaging one of the plurality of gas outlets;    coupling a gas delivery conduit to the gas inlet of the valve housing; and    coupling a burner connector to each of the plurality of gas outlets.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of electrically coupling a selector for each of the plurality of burners to an electrical connector for the solenoid.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of selectively energizing one of the plurality of solenoids.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising the step of selectively de-energizing one of the plurality of solenoids.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein one of the plurality of burners is a bake burner.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein one of the plurality of burners is a broiler burner.