Thermostatically controlled ignition system with retractable ignition device

A method for igniting a flame comprising:

• monitoring the temperature at a first location, said first location located proximate to a flame ignition site;
• comparing a temperature measurement to a first threshold and a second threshold;
• if the temperature measurement is below the first threshold, moving an ignition device into a first position, said first position being located close enough to a flame ignition site for the ignition device to cause ignition;
• and
• if the temperature measurement is above a second threshold, moving the ignition device to a second position, said second position not being located close enough to a flame ignition site for the ignition device to cause ignition.

A system comprising:

• a fuel supply source;
• a tube coupled to the fuel supply source, said tube having an opening at one end to allow the passage of fuel out of the tube;
• a temperature sensor located proximate to the opening of the tube;
• an actuator arm coupled at one end to an actuator and having at the opposite end an ignition device;
• wherein the actuator may selectively extend or retract the actuator arm;
• wherein said extension causes the ignition device to be positioned relative to the opening of the tube at a first position;
• wherein said retracting cause the ignition device to be positioned relative to the opening of the tube at a second position;
• wherein said first position is proximate to the opening of the tube such that the ignition device may ignite fuel passing through the opening;
• wherein said second position is removed from the opening of the tube such that the ignition device may not ignite fuel passing through the opening;
• a control system coupled to the temperature sensor and the actuator;
• wherein the control system receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor relating to the temperature measured by said sensor;
• wherein the actuator extends or retracts the actuator arm in response to a signal from the control system;
• wherein said control system is configured to cause the actuator to extend the actuator arm in response to a temperature signal below a first threshold;
• and
• wherein said control system is configured to cause the actuator to retract the actuator arm in response to a temperature signal above a second threshold;