Gas conversion assembly

#The present invention generally relates to gas control assemblies. In particular, the present invention relates to a gas control assembly that can be utilized, for converting an appliance from a first arrangement, wherein a first gas is used, to a second arrangement, wherein a second gas is used.

#Traditionally, devices that utilize one type of gas cannot be operated using a second type of gas. One reason for this is that the pressure of one gas is different from the pressures of others. Accordingly, a conduit sized to allow the flow of a predetermined quantity of gas through the conduit will allow a different amount of a second gas through the conduit and, therefore, the system may not be able to function properly with the different amount of gas present. For example, a device suitable for use with natural gas may be calibrated to operate within the range of 1.7 to 3.5 water column inches of gas pressure. Whereas, a device utilizing propane (lp gas) and having similar output characteristics may operate within the range of 6.3 and 10 inches water column. Consequently, if not adjusted, a device set up to operate with one of the above gases may either have too much gas flowing through the conduit or too little gas. Additionally, prior art devices cannot be utilized with a variety of gases because the amount of energy each gas provides when combusted is different due to its pressure and combustibility. These differences can lead to the overheating of parts of the assembly and may lead to damage or malfunction of the components of the assembly or appliance to which the assembly is connected.

#Some devices have safety mechanisms built into their systems so that overheating does not occur. Typically, these systems shut down the appliance before damage or malfunction can occur. However, this may save the appliance, but may be a nuisance if the appliance cannot be used for a suitable period of time before the safety device is activated.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an angled over head view of the exterior of a flow control assembly constructed according to the present invention;

#FIG. 2 illustrates an over head view of the exterior of the flow control assembly of FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the exterior of the flow control assembly of FIG. 1;

#The present invention provides a gas conversion assembly 10 for converting an appliance from using a first gas to using a second gas. The device 10 includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet and a conduit between the inlet and the outlet. Ideally, the same conduit is utilized with both a first gas and a second gas during the control of a first gas and the control of a second gas.

#In the embodiment shown, the inlet and outlet are on the left and right ends of the device respectively. Since the general construction of gas regulators are known, it need only be known that the direction of the gas from the inlet to the outlet is from the left of the device shown, in FIGS. 1-3, to the right of the device. This information is merely provided to give perspective and is not intended to be limiting on the invention. For additional clarity an arrow is provided on the exterior of the device shown in FIG. 3 that indicates the direction of flow through the device.

#The conduit has a restricting mechanism therein that is designed to adjustably restrict the amount of gas flowing therethrough. A restricting mechanism and associated structure act as a control mechanism for adjustment of the gas flow through the conduit. The restriction of the conduit may be accomplished by any means known in the art. The valve utilized to control the amount of gas flowing through the conduit, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, is a ball valve comprised of a ball housing 46, first spring 48, a ball 50, a second spring 52, and a pin 54. The ball housing 46 holds the ball 50 and the first spring 48 biases the ball against an aperture formed on the ball housing 46. The interface between the ball and the rim of the aperture forms the valve of the conduit through which the gas is regulated. The ball 50 is moved when a force is applied by the pin 54. The pin 54 is indirectly actuated by the lever 16. The direct actuation is provided by the second spring 52 that contacts a plate, mounted on the membrane 12, onto which the pin 54 is fixed. The membrane-plate-second spring assembly is designed to more precisely actuate the pin 54 to engage the surface of the ball 50.