Thermostatically controlled ignition system with retractable ignition device

Abstract

A temperature sensor detects the presence of a flame by measuring the temperature near the flame site, and an actuator positions an ignition device in based on the temperature sensor's reading. The ignition device is positioned near the flame site if the flame is not present and further from the flame site if the flame is present.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 a fuel supply source;   a temperature sensor;   an actuator;   an ignition device coupled to the actuator;   a control system configured to control the actuator in response to at least a signal from the temperature sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a pneumatic air cylinder. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a linear actuator. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to cause the actuator to position the ignition device proximate to the fuel supply source in response to a low temperature signal from the temperature sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is configured to cause the actuator to position the ignition device further away from the fuel supply source in response to a high temperature signal from the temperature sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fuel supply source is a supply of propane. 
     
     
         7 . 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.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the step of moving an ignition device into a first position comprises:
 activating a solenoid valve attached to an actuator attached to an actuator arm, and   extending said actuator arm, said actuator arm having the ignition device attached.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the step of moving the ignition device to a second position comprises:
 deactivating a solenoid valve attached to an actuator arm, and   retracting said actuator arm, said actuator arm having the ignition device attached.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the actuator is an air cylinder actuator and the step of activating a solenoid valve attached to an actuator arm comprises increasing the air pressure within the air cylinder actuator. 
     
     
         11 . 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; 
   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the actuator is a pneumatic actuator, the system further comprising:
 an air container for storing pressurized air;   a pressure gauge coupled to the air container and capable of measuring the air pressure within the air container;   an air pump coupled to the air container and capable of increasing the pressure of the air within the air container; and   a valve coupled to the air container and further coupled to the pneumatic actuator, selectively allowing air to travel from the air container to the pneumatic actuator or the reverse.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the valve is a solenoid valve; wherein the solenoid valve comprises a control solenoid that is connected to the control system; and wherein the solenoid valve is configured to selectively open and close responsive to signals from the control system. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the actuator is a linear actuator. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the first position is such that the ignition device is within 6 inches of the opening. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the second position is such that the ignition device is more than 12 inches from the opening. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the first threshold is less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the second threshold is at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the fuel supply source is a supply of propane.