Automatic gaslight igniter/controller and burners

摘要

A method and apparatus is defined for automatically igniting and controlling a gaslight to turn ON the gaslight in the evening and turn OFF the gaslight in the morning or alternatively, using a switch or timer to turn the gaslight on and off. The gaslight may be either a mantle type burner or an open flame type burner. The igniter consists of a high voltage spark generator that is controlled by a microcontroller to enable the spark when the microcontroller senses that darkness has occurred or a preset time of day has occurred. The spark is generated across a spark probe gap that is positioned in an optimum location to ignite the gas/air mixture. We and others have been manufacturing gaslight igniters for several years and this patent pertains to recent concepts and implementations that greatly improve the automatic igniter/burner utility and operation. The physical parameters of the device are also important. The device is sized so that it will fit easily inside of a 3 -inch lamppost, or install easily within most gas lamp heads. The device is flexible in configuration to allow the burner/probe to be oriented axially with the igniter, or oriented perpendicular to the igniter to provide great flexibility in using the igniter with various burners and gas light heads. Quick disconnect fittings for gas and low voltage electric make the igniter/burner assembly easy to change without tools, similar to changing a light bulb.