Multiple-output solenoid valve
AssigneeRobershaw Controls Company
InventorsJames Kimble, Dennis Pierog
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims20
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.
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.