Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A gas flow control and igniter switch assembly for a gas appliance includes a valve body having a stem, an igniter activating switch and a knob, wherein the igniter is activated upon depressing of the knob a predetermined distance. The igniter switch is preferably constituted by a multi-piece outer casing within which is mounted multiple igniter contacts, an electrical connector, and an activating member. The activating member carries the electrical connector and is biased to a position which maintains an electric circuit to the igniter open. The multi-piece outer casing is adapted to be snap-fittingly secured together and mounted about the stem of the valve. Preferably, the stem extends freely through the outer casing but press-fittingly receives the activating member such that the activating member moves in axial unison with the stem. A knob is employed for rotating the stem to regulate the flow of gas from an inlet to an outlet of the valve, while also permitting the valve stem to be depressed in order to initiate a sparking operation at an electrode for a respective gas burner of the appliance.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim