Control device for a gas-fired appliance

Abstract

A device for controlling a gas-fired appliance having a thermoelectric device such as a thermopile is provided and, particularly, for controlling a damper and a main burner valve within a gas-fired appliance. The device includes a motor having a shaft extending therefrom for connection to a plate of a damper. The device further includes a control circuit that selectively transmits current from the thermoelectric device to the motor and to the main burner valve of the appliance. The control circuit includes a temperature sensor and a plurality of single pole double throw switches. When the temperature sensor determines that the temperature of a medium such as water or air is below a predetermined temperature, current is directed through the switches to the motor in order to open the damper. Once the damper is opened, current is redirected through the switches to the valve to open the valve. When the predetermined temperature is reached, current is again directed to the motor to close the damper and trap residual heat within the appliance.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.