Controlling a Gas-Fired Heater

Abstract

The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for controlling a gas-fired heater connected to a fuel source via a fuel source valve that includes one or more power sources, a temperature sensor, a pilotless igniter disposed within the gas-fired heater, a flame sensor disposed within the gas-fired heater and a controller electrically connected to the one or more power sources, the temperature sensor, the pilotless igniter, the flame sensor and the fuel source valve. The controller turns the pilotless igniter on for a first time period and opens the fuel source valve whenever the temperature sensor indicates that a temperature is less than or equal to a low temperature setting. The controller also closes the fuel source valve whenever the temperature sensor indicates that the temperature is greater than or equal to a high temperature setting or the flame sensor indicates that a flame has gone out.

1 . A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for controlling a gas-fired heater connected to a fuel source via a fuel source valve, the computer program comprising:
 a code segment for turning a pilotless igniter on for a first time period and opening the fuel source valve whenever a temperature sensor indicates that a temperature is less than or equal to a low temperature setting; and   a code segment for closing the fuel source valve whenever the temperature is greater than or equal to a high temperature setting or a flame sensor indicates that a flame has gone out.   
   
   
       2 . A control kit for a gas-fired heater connected to a fuel source via a fuel source valve, the kit comprising:
 a battery;   a temperature sensor;   a pilotless igniter for installation within the gas-fired heater;   a flame sensor for installation within the gas-fired heater; and   a controller having a first connector for the battery, a second connector for the temperature sensor, a third connector for the pilotless igniter, a fourth connector for the flame sensor and a fifth connector for the fuel source valve, wherein the controller is configured to turn the pilotless igniter on for a first time period and open the fuel source valve whenever the temperature sensor indicates that a temperature is less than or equal to a low temperature setting, and close the fuel source valve whenever the temperature sensor indicates that the temperature is greater than or equal to a high temperature setting or the flame sensor indicates that a flame has gone out.