The invention provides a hydrocarbon-fueled device for heating and dispensing a volatile substance, such as an insect repellent. The device provides a long-lasting 48-hour fuel system, multiple fuel canisters that can be exchanged without interrupting the operation of the device, an illuminated indicator that provides a visible indication of the operating state of the device from any viewing angle, and a flame-extinguishing safety lid. During the warm-up phase, the indicator indicates this state by pulsing. Once the device reaches operating temperature, the indicator emits a steady light, indicating proper operation. In the event that the device cools below the operating temperature, the light will pulse, alerting the user to check the flame and/or fuel supply. The user can initiate complete, properly-controlled operation of all functions of the device via the operation of a single on-off switch.

A low powered system for providing sufficient current to a fuel control mechanism drive. The system may have a fuel control mechanism pick circuit that has an energy storage mechanism for providing a large amount of current for a short time to the fuel control mechanism drive. A safety switch may be enabled with a special signal to let current flow to the fuel control mechanism drive to operate a corresponding fuel control mechanism for controlling fuel to a pilot light or heating element. The pilot light or heating element may provide heat to a thermoelectric source that generates electrical power from the heat. The electrical power may go to a single DC-to-DC converter and voltage clamp for providing a voltage source to a microcontroller and other circuits of the system. The pick circuit may prevent a harmful reverse flow of current from the storage mechanism to the thermoelectric source.

A flame indicator assembly for a fuel-fired heating appliance, the fuel-fired heating appliance including a burner assembly and control electronics. The flame indicator assembly comprises a flame sensor configured to allow the flow of electric current in response to exposure to a flame. The flame sensor is configured for electrical communication with the control electronics of the fuel-fired heating appliance. The flame indicator assembly also comprises a visual indicator module attached to the flame sensor. The visual indicator module comprises at least one light source. The visual indicator module is in operative communication with the flame sensor such that the at least one light source is actuated in response to the flow of electric current. A fuel-fired heating appliance comprising a flame indicator assembly is also disclosed.

A low powered system for providing sufficient current to a fuel control mechanism drive. The system may have a fuel control mechanism pick circuit that has an energy storage mechanism for providing a large amount of current for a short time to the fuel control mechanism drive. A safety switch may be enabled with a special signal to let current flow to the fuel control mechanism drive to operate a corresponding fuel control mechanism for controlling fuel to a pilot light or heating element. The pilot light or heating element may provide heat to a thermoelectric source that generates electrical power from the heat. The electrical power may go to a single DC-to-DC converter and voltage clamp for providing a voltage source to a microcontroller and other circuits of the system. The pick circuit may prevent a harmful reverse flow of current from the storage mechanism to the thermoelectric source.

A low powered system for providing sufficient current to a fuel control mechanism drive. The system may have a fuel control mechanism pick circuit that has an energy storage mechanism for providing a large amount of current for a short time to the fuel control mechanism drive. A safety switch may be enabled with a special signal to let current flow to the fuel control mechanism drive to operate a corresponding fuel control mechanism for controlling fuel to a pilot light or heating element. The pilot light or heating element may provide heat to a thermoelectric source that generates electrical power from the heat. The electrical power may go to a single DC-to-DC converter and voltage clamp for providing a voltage source to a microcontroller and other circuits of the system. The pick circuit may prevent a harmful reverse flow of current from the storage mechanism to the thermoelectric source.

For operating a gas hob having at least two gas burners which can be operated separately and which each have a nozzle, a dedicated gas valve for adjusting a gas supply to the gas burner is associated with each gas burner. The nozzle of a gas burner has an opening cross-section which is 10% to 30% larger than the opening cross-section which is required for the rated power of the gas burner. During normal operation of the gas burner, the associated gas valve is adjusted to a rated throughput. During operation of the gas burner under excess power with full utilization of the full opening cross-section of the nozzle, the gas valve is opened further and adjusted to an excess power throughput.

A furnace shut off device including a sensor assembly, a shutoff assembly and an alarm assembly. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors can be used to collect data of carbon monoxide concentration level. The shutoff assembly includes a microcontroller. The microcontroller receives the collected data from the plurality of sensors to shut off a furnace unit if the carbon monoxide concentration level is high. The alarm assembly includes a display, a light and a speaker. The microcontroller actuates said display, said light and said speaker if the carbon monoxide concentration level is high.