AU6255300A - Gas control assembly - Google Patents

Description

WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 1 GAS CONTROL ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to an assembly for control of gas flow. More particularly, the present invention relates to an assembly for controlling 5 the flow or supply of fuel gas to a gas burner, as well as to particular components of that assembly including the assembly housing. Background to the Invention In gas fuelled barbecues, stoves, cookers and cook tops, the gas flow control 10 assembly typically includes a manifold through which the gas fuel is supplied to the apparatus, and a control valve assembly connected to and mounted on the side of the manifold which is used to regulate the flow of gas to the burners. Generally, a separate valve assembly is provided for each burner. Accordingly, the manifold and valve assemblies are often connected via a tube or hose, 15 through which the gas flows from the manifold to the valve assemblies. It is important that such valve assemblies are of robust construction so that they will withstand impacts and the like to be expected during manufacture, assembly and use. Because of this, strength impact tests have been designed 20 for valve assemblies. In one such test, the body of a valve assembly must withstand an impact from a 10 kg mass swung on a pendulum rod 1 metre in length from a height of 1.4 metres. As a result, existing safety valve assemblies tend to be quite bulky, with the strength of a valve assembly being dictated by its overall size. 25 Various attempts have been made to manufacture a valve assembly which automatically shuts off the supply of gas in response to the flame of a corresponding burner being accidentally or inadvertently extinguished, as might occur with a gust of wind blowing passed the flame. However, these attempts 30 have produced valve assemblies of complicated design and construction. As a result, those valve assemblies are generally difficult and time consuming to manufacture and assemble, with commensurate high production costs.

WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 2 It would therefore be desirable to produce a gas control assembly which is more compact in size, and yet is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. Moreover, it would be desirable to produce a gas control assembly with a reduced number and less complicated components, thereby leading to a 5 reduction in manufacturing costs. Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing of a gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the housing including a body 10 having a gas flow passage, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a manifold, and an outlet from the gas flow passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, the gas flow passage having a valve chamber for securing a safety valve operable to control flow of gas through the gas flow passage from the inlet to the outlet, and the 15 gas flow passage having a guideway for receiving an actuating member for guided movement therealong in order to operate the safety valve. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing of a gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the housing 20 including an elongate body having a longitudinally extending gas flow passage, the gas flow passage including an elongate valve chamber, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a manifold, an outlet from the gas flow passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, an access opening into the gas flow passage for insertion of an elongate safety 25 valve into the valve chamber for extending coaxially within the gas flow passage, the safety valve being operable to control flow of gas along the gas flow passage from the inlet to the outlet, and a further valve chamber in the body for receiving a regulator valve operable to regulate flow of gas to the outlet, the further valve chamber lying in a plane containing the longitudinal axis 30 of the gas flow passage. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing of a gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the housing WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 3 including a body having a gas flow passage, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a manifold, and an outlet from the gas flow passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, the gas flow passage having a valve chamber for receiving a safety valve operable to control 5 flow of gas through the gas flow passage from the inlet to the outlet, the body being manufactured from metal bar stock material. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the control assembly including: a 10 housing including an elongate body having a longitudinally extending gas flow passage, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a manifold, and an outlet from the gas flow passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, a safety valve mounted in the gas flow passage and operable to control flow of gas through the gas flow passage from 15 the inlet to the outlet; and, an actuating member mounted in the gas flow passage for guided movement therealong in order to operate the safety valve. According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the control assembly including: 20 a housing including an elongate body having a longitudinally extending gas flow passage, the gas flow passage including an elongate valve chamber, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a manifold, and an outlet from the gas flow passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, and a further valve chamber in the body; a safety valve 25 mounted in the valve chamber and operable to control flow of gas through the gas flow passage from the inlet toward the outlet; and, a regulator valve mounted in the further valve chamber and operable to regulate flow of gas to the outlet, the regulator valve lying in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the gas flow passage. 30 Preferably, the outlet communicates with, and extends laterally from, the guideway. Preferably, the inlet communicates with and extends laterally from the valve chamber. In at least one preferred embodiment the inlet and outlet WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 4 extend laterally from opposite sides of the gas flow passage. The inlet and outlet are spaced apart along the gas flow passage, in at least one preferred embodiment. 5 Preferably, the valve chamber is axially aligned with the guideway on the longitudinal axis of the gas flow passage. Preferably, the housing includes a bore in the body opening into the guideway for receiving a control member for guided movement therealong in order to 10 move the actuating member for operation of the safety valve. The bore preferably extends laterally from the guideway. Preferably, the further valve chamber opens into the gas flow passage adjacent the outlet. Moreover, the further valve chamber preferably extends laterally 15 from the gas flow passage. In at least one preferred embodiment, the further valve chamber extends parallel to the bore. That further valve chamber and bore are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the gas flow passage in that one embodiment. 20 In at least one preferred embodiment, the body is machined from metal bar stock material. In that embodiment, the body is preferably manufactured from bar stock material having a square or rectangular transverse cross sectional shape. 25 In alternative embodiments, the body can be manufactured by die casting or forging from metal material. Preferably, the guideway is configured for receiving the actuating member for 30 sliding movement therealong. Preferably, the guideway is of a cylindrical cross sectional shape, and extends on the longitudinal axis of the gas flow passage.

WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 5 Preferably, the actuating member is mounted in the guideway for guided sliding movement thereby to operate the safety valve. In at least one embodiment, the actuating member is an actuating spool. In one embodiment, the spool has at least one port therethrough for flow of gas along the gas flow passage from the 5 inlet to the outlet. The spool in one embodiment has an actuating surface at one end thereof which abuts the safety valve for movement of that valve. In one preferred embodiment, the spool is made from cylindrical tube or pipe. In this embodiment, the tang is formed by angling a portion of the cylindrical 10 sidewall inwardly. In another preferred embodiment, the spool is made from a metal plate such as mild steel. However, it is to be appreciated that other materials could be used. If made from plate, the plate would then be bent or otherwise formed into an 15 approximately tubular shape to provide the spool. In this embodiment, it would not be necessary that the plate edges meet to form an enclosed spool. Forming the spool of metal plate may reduce its manufacturing cost. These embodiments provide a spool with a central port therethrough requiring 20 minimal material. However, it is to be appreciated that the spool need not be hollow. If this was the case however, then alternative means would be required to allow the passage of gas. In an alternative embodiment, the actuating spool includes a central solid 25 longitudinal core around which the gas is capable of flowing. To maintain the core coaxial with the guideway, guide arms extend radially from the core and slidingly engage with the guideway. In these embodiments, the actuating spool and core are separate from the 30 valve.

WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 6 In other preferred embodiments, the actuating member is connected to or formed integral with the safety valve for guided movement therewith along the passage. 5 Preferably, the control member is operable externally of the housing to move the actuating member to effect operation of the safety valve. In at least one preferred embodiment, the control member includes a control rod mounted in the bore for longitudinal sliding movement in order to engage the actuating spool for movement thereof. The actuating spool preferably has a control 10 surface, and the control rod contacts that control surface for movement of the actuating spool. Preferably, the actuating member and control member are slidably movable along respective axes extending perpendicular to one another. The regulator 15 valve preferably lies in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the gas flow passage. Preferably, the regulator valve includes an elongate control key movable on a longitudinal axis to operate the regulator valve for regulating flow of gas. The 20 control key longitudinal axis preferably extends in the plane with the longitudinal axis of the gas flow passage. Brief Description of the Drawings The following description refers to preferred embodiments of the gas flow 25 control assembly of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the assembly and its components are illustrated in some of the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the assembly and components are not limited to the preferred embodiments as hereinafter described and as illustrated 30 in the drawings. In the drawings, where the same reference numerals identify the same or similar components: WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 7 Fig. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a gas flow control assembly according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 5 Fig. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the control assembly of Fig. 1 when assembled, and with the safety valve in a closed position; Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of part of the assembled control assembly of Fig. 2, but with the safety valve in an open position; 10 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the gas control assembly of Fig. 1 when assembled and mounted on a manifold; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the gas control assembly of Fig. 1 when 15 assembled, and modified to include a piezoelectric starter; and, Fig. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of the gas control assembly of Fig. 1, but incorporating a modified cap member, and including a micro-switch starter. 20 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring initially to Figs. 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is generally shown an assembly 1 for controlling a supply of gaseous fuel to at least one burner (not illustrated) of a cook top (not illustrated). 25 The gas control assembly 1 includes a housing 2 having an elongate housing body 3. The housing body 3 is manufactured from metal bar stock material, such as extruded aluminium square bar. The body 3 has a longitudinal axis X. 30 The housing body 3 has a gas flow passage 4 within the body 3. The passage 4 is elongate and extends straight along the longitudinal axis X. The body 3 also has an inlet 5 into the gas flow passage 4 for gas communication with a manifold M (see Fig. 4). A recess 6 is provided in an outer wall of the housing WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 8 body 3 surrounding the inlet 5. The recess 6 provides accommodation for sealing means in the form of an O-ring (not illustrated) to seal the connection between an outlet port (not illustrated) of the manifold M and the inlet 5. 5 The body 3 also has an outlet 7 from the gas flow passage 4 for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold M to the burner. The outlet 7 has an internal screw thread (not illustrated) and is fitted with an injection nozzle 8 for directing and accelerating the gas toward the burner. 10 The inlet 5 and outlet 7 are axially spaced apart along the gas flow passage 4 and extend laterally from diametrically opposite sides of the passage 4. In other embodiments, the inlet 5 and outlet 7 may extend from different sides or the same sides of the passage 4. 15 Gas can flow along the passage 4 from the inlet 5 to the outlet 7. In order to control that flow the passage 4 has an elongate and enlarged valve chamber 9 in which safety valve 10 is mounted. A valve seat 11 is provided in the valve chamber 9, between the inlet 5 and outlet 7, and the safety valve 10 is co operable with the seat 11 to control gas flow along passage 4. 20 The safety valve 10 includes a safety gas cutoff device, which communicates with and, in use of the assembly 1, monitors the temperature of the associated gas burner (not shown). When the valve 10 senses that the associated burner is lit, the safety valve 10 will move to and remain in an open position (as shown 25 in Fig. 3) so that gas can flow from the inlet 5, through the valve seat 11 toward the outlet 7. However, if the burner is inadvertently extinguished, then the safety gas cutoff device senses the reduction in burner temperature and automatically moves the safety valve 10 to a closed position (as shown in Fig. 2), thereby preventing gas from being fed to the (now unlit) burner. In this way 30 the potentially dangerous and harmful effects of gas leakage are avoided. The safety valve 10 includes a valve closure member 12 for seating against the valve seat 11. The valve closure member 12 is mounted on valve stem 13 for WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 9 axial movement along the longitudinal axis X toward and away from the valve seat 11, and is biased toward the valve seat 11 into the valve closed position by coil spring 14 surrounding stem 13. Movement of the valve closure member 12 away from the valve seat 11 to the open position is effected by energisation of 5 an electro-magnet 15. The electro-magnet 15 is connected to a sensor which senses when the burner is lit by the heat generated by the burner flame. In this embodiment, the sensor is in the form of a bimetallic switch or strip (not illustrated), which is in circuit with the electro magnet 15 and connects with valve terminal 16. When the burner is lit, a small current (typically in the range 10 of a few milli-Amps) is generated in the circuit energising a coil (not shown) of the valve electro magnet 15 to generate an electro-magnetic force. That force overcomes the biasing force applied to the valve closure member 12 by the spring 14 to move the safety valve 10 to the open position. When the burner flame is accidentally extinguished, the current ceases and the valve 10 closes 15 under action of the spring 14. To enable gas to flow through the gas flow passage 4 to the burner when lighting the burner, the assembly 1 includes a manually operable control rod 17 and actuating spool 18 for moving the valve 10 to its open position. The control 20 rod 17 is mounted in a bore 19 in housing body 3 for longitudinally sliding movement along axis Y 1 . Longitudinal axis Y, extends perpendicular to, but is contained in the same plane as, longitudinal axis X. The actuating spool 18 is mounted in a guideway 20 in the gas flow passage 4 25 for guided sliding movement therealong on longitudinal axis X. The spool 18 has an axial port 21 therethrough for flow of gas along the gas flow passage 4. The spool 18 also has a tab 22 at one end thereof providing an actuating surface 23, and a tang 24 spaced from the one end providing a sloped or cammed control surface 25. The tang 24 is provided at the approximate mid 30 axial length of the spool 18 to assist in the smooth sliding of the spool 18 in the guideway 20. The angle of the control surface 25 can be selected to suit the intended distance of movement of the spool 18.

WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 10 When moved in direction D along axis Y 1 , the control rod 17 engages the control surface 25, that engagement producing a corresponding sliding movement of the actuating spool 18 in direction T. Comparing Figs. 2 and 3, the actuating spool 18 moves to the left from the position illustrated in Fig. 2 to 5 the position illustrated in Fig. 3 during that movement of the control rod 17. In this position, the spool 18 abuts and moves the valve closure member 12 against the bias of the spring 14 out of sealing engagement with the valve seat 11, so as to open the safety valve 10 and allow gas to flow through the gas flow passage 4. 10 The control rod 17 has an enlarged head 26, and a shaft 27 extending from the head 26 and terminating in a profiled control end 28. A coil spring 29 surrounds the shaft 27 and extends between the head 26 and an outer surface of the housing body 3. The spring 29 acts to bias the control rod 17 in a direction 15 opposite to direction D away from the actuating spool 18. A press member 30 limits that movement and so prevents the control rod 17 from being removed from the bore 19. Press member 30 is also movable in order to depress the control rod 17, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. 20 Housing body 3 includes an access opening 31 at one end 32 thereof which opens into the gas flow passage 4. That access opening 31 enables mounting of the valve 10 in the valve chamber 9, and positioning of the actuating spool 18 in the guideway 20. 25 A screw threaded connection 33 is provided on the body end 32, and the housing 2 has a retaining cap 34 with a screw thread connection 35 for interconnecting with the end 32 of the body 3. The retaining cap 34 co-operates with the valve 10 to close the access opening 31, and also acts to retain the valve 10 in the valve chamber 9. 30 The retaining cap 34 has an aperture 36 exposing the valve terminal 16 for connection into the sensor circuit without disturbing the gas tight closure of the WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 11 access opening 31. A plastic cover (not shown) may be placed over the end of the retaining cap 34 so as to protect the terminal 16. The housing body 3 also includes a further valve chamber 37 communicating 5 with the gas flow passage 4, and in particular the junction between the guideway 20 and the outlet 7. A regulator valve 38 is mounted in the valve chamber 37 and is operable to regulate flow of gas in the guideway 20 to the outlet 7. 10 The regulator valve 38 includes a cap member 39 which covers an access opening 40 into the chamber 37. The cap member 39 holds an elongate rotatable control key 41 in operative association with a rotatable flow-regulating plug member 42 located in the valve chamber 37. The plug member 42 includes an inlet orifice 43 which can communicate with the gas flow passage 4, 15 and an outlet orifice 44 which can communicate with outlet 7. In use of the control assembly 1, gas flows through the inlet orifice 43 from guideway 20 and through the outlet orifice 44 to the outlet 7. The control key 41 extends along longitudinal axis Y 2 which is parallel to axis Y 1 20 and in the same plane as axes X and Y 1 . With this arrangement the plug member 42 is aligned with the gas flow passage 4 so that there is a smooth gas flow path from the passage, through the plug member 42 to the outlet 7. Depression of the control key 41 toward the plug member 42 along axis Y 2 , 25 against the bias of a spring (not illustrated), causes the control key 41 to engage the plug member 42 such that subsequent rotation of the control key 41 about axis Y 2 rotates the plug member 42 to vary the volume rate of gas flow through the gas flow passage to the outlet 7. 30 Press member 30 is carried on control key 41 for depression with the control key 41 in order to depress the control rod 17. The press member 30 is slidably mounted on the control key 41 and retained thereon by clip 45 fitted to the WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 12 control key 41, the press member 30 being urged against the clip 45 by the bias applied by spring 29 to control rod 17. The regulator valve 38 also includes simmer orifice 46. By rotating the regulator 5 valve 38 clockwise about axis Y 2 by approximately 90 degrees relative to the housing 2, outlet orifice 44 communicates with the outlet 7, and the simmer orifice 46 communicates with the guideway 20. In this arrangement, the flow of gas to the burner is reduced. The size of simmer orifice 46 is adjustable via an adjuster (not shown) provided in the regulator valve 38. 10 This operation of the regulator valve 38 will be readily understood by persons skilled in the art and, as such, will not be further described here. The cap member 39 includes a cover portion 47 for extending over and 15 covering the access opening 40. The cover portion 47 is attached to the body 3 with screw threaded fasteners 48, and has a hole 49 therethrough for passage of the control key 41. Mounting of the control assembly 1 to a manifold M is shown in Fig. 4. That 20 mounting is achieved with a retaining bracket B. The manifold M includes an outlet orifice (not shown) which supplies gas to the inlet 5 of the housing body 3. As previously discussed, the manifold outlet orifice and inlet 5 sealingly connect via an O-ring (not illustrated) placed in the recess 6. 25 Fig. 5 illustrates a modified form of the control assembly 1 which includes a piezoelectric starter 50. The starter 50 provides a spark to ignite the burner. The starter 50 is retained in place on the valve assembly housing 2 by a bracket (not shown) which is placed over cap member 39. The starter 50 includes a slider 51 which generates the ignition spark. The slider 51 is moved via a 30 striker arm 52. It is to be appreciated that instead of the illustrated starter 50, other forms of starters may be used, including an electronic starter operated by, for example, a push button.

WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 13 The control assembly embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6 is similar to that of Fig. 1, but includes a different cap member 39. In addition, the assembly 1 includes a starter 50 in the form of a micro-switch. Cap member 39 requires less material and is therefore cheaper to manufacture than the cap member of the previous 5 valve assembly embodiments. The control assembly of the present invention has a housing body which can be readily manufactured from stock aluminium square or rectangular bar extrusion. 10 The present invention provides a simplified arrangement of the inlet and outlet of the control assembly, which produces a simplified and easy to manufacture control assembly. This advantageously produces a smaller control assembly when compared to prior arrangements. 15 In addition the simplified housing body improves gas flow through the gas flow passage. The passage is not tortuous so that loss of pressure in the gas flow due to turbulence through the passage is reduced. The simplified control assembly according to the invention are more 20 aesthetically pleasing, and provides a neat appearance when mounted to a manifold. Moreover, by securing the control assembly directly to the manifold, the gas tight connection between to two components can be simply effected by 25 providing a seal around the connection between the manifold outlet and the control assembly inlet. Finally, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be made to the particular construction and arrangement of parts 30 previously described without departing from the ambit of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims (40)

1. A housing of a gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the housing including a body having a gas flow passage, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a manifold, and an outlet from the gas flow 5 passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, the gas flow passage having a valve chamber for receiving a safety valve operable to control flow of gas through the gas flow passage from the inlet to the outlet, and the gas flow passage having a guideway for receiving an actuating member for guided movement therealong in order to operate the 10 safety valve.

2. A housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guideway is configured for receiving the actuating member for sliding movement therealong.

3. A housing as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the guideway is of a cylindrical cross sectional shape, and extends on the longitudinal axis of the gas 15 flow passage.

4. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outlet communicates with the guideway.

5. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outlet extends laterally from the guideway. 20

6. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve chamber is elongate and axially aligned with the guideway.

7. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inlet communicates with the valve chamber.

8. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inlet extends 25 laterally from the valve chamber.

9. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inlet and outlet extend laterally from opposite sides of the gas flow passage.

10. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, and further including a bore in the body opening into the guideway for receiving a control member for 30 guided movement therealong in order to move the actuating member for operation of the safety valve.

11. A housing as claimed in claim 10, wherein the bore extends laterally from the guideway. WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 15

12. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, and further including a further valve chamber in the body opening into the gas flow passage for receiving a regulator valve operable to regulate flow of gas to the outlet.

13. A housing of a gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the 5 housing including an elongate body having a longitudinally extending gas flow passage, the gas flow passage including an elongate valve chamber, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a manifold, an outlet from the gas flow passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, an access opening into the gas flow passage for insertion of an 10 elongate safety valve into the valve chamber for extending coaxially within the gas flow passage, the safety valve being operable to control flow of gas along the gas flow passage from the inlet to the outlet, and a further valve chamber in the body for receiving a regulator valve operable to regulate flow of gas to the outlet, the further valve chamber lying in a plane containing the longitudinal axis 15 of the gas flow passage.

14. A housing as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the further valve chamber opens into the gas flow passage adjacent the outlet.

15. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the further valve chamber extends laterally from the gas flow passage. 20

16. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 15 when appended to claim 10 or 11, wherein the further valve chamber extends parallel to the bore.

17. A housing as claimed in claim 16, wherein the further valve chamber and bore are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the gas flow passage.

18. A housing as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the body is 25 manufactured from metal bar stock material.

19. A housing of a gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the housing including a body having a gas flow passage, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a manifold, and an outlet from the gas flow passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, 30 the gas flow passage having a valve chamber for receiving a safety valve operable to control flow of gas through the gas flow passage from the inlet to the outlet, the body being manufactured from metal bar stock material. WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 16

20. A housing as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the body is machined from metal bar stock material.

21. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the body is manufactured from bar stock material having a square or rectangular transverse 5 cross sectional shape.

22. A housing as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the body is manufactured from aluminium or aluminium alloy.

23. A housing of a gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the 10 embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

24. A gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the control assembly including a housing as claimed in any preceding claim.

25. A gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the control assembly including: a housing including an elongate body having a longitudinally 15 extending gas flow passage, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a manifold, and an outlet from the gas flow passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, a safety valve mounted in the gas flow passage and operable to control flow of gas through the gas flow passage from the inlet to the outlet; and, an actuating member 20 mounted in the gas flow passage for guided movement therealong in order to operate the safety valve.

26. A control assembly as claimed in claim 25, wherein the gas flow passage includes a guideway and the actuating member is mounted in the guideway for guided sliding movement thereby to operate the safety valve. 25

27. A control assembly as claimed in claim 25 or 26, wherein the actuating member is an actuating spool having a port therethrough for flow of gas along the gas flow passage from the inlet to the outlet.

28. A control assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the actuating member has an actuating surface at one end thereof which engages 30 the safety valve for movement of the safety valve.

29. A control assembly as claimed in claim 28 when appended to claim 27, wherein the actuating spool has a tab extending from one end thereof, and the tab provides the actuating surface. WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 17

30. A control assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29, and further including a control member mounted in the housing body and extending externally of the housing, the control member being operable externally of the housing to move the actuating member to effect operation of the safety valve. 5

31. A control assembly as claimed in claim 30, wherein the housing body includes a bore opening into the gas flow passage, and the control member includes a control rod mounted in the bore for longitudinal sliding movement in order to engage the actuating member for movement thereof.

32. A control assembly as claimed in claim 30 or 31, wherein the actuating 10 member has a control surface, and the control member contacts the control surface for movement of the actuating member.

33. A control assembly as claimed in claim 32, wherein the control surface is cammed to transmit movement of the control member to the actuating member.

34. A control assembly as claimed in claim 32 or 33 when appended to claim 15 29 or any claim appended thereto, wherein the spool has a tang remote from the tab, and the tang provides the control surface.

35. A control assembly as claimed in claim 30 or any claim appended thereto, wherein the actuating member and control member are slidably movable along respective axes extending perpendicular to one another. 20

36. A control assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 35, wherein the housing body includes a further valve chamber communicating with the gas flow passage, and further including a regulator valve mounted in the further valve chamber and operable to regulate flow of gas through the gas flow passage from the inlet to the outlet, the regulator valve lying in a plane containing the 25 longitudinal axis of the gas flow passage.

37. A gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, the control assembly including: a housing including an elongate body having a longitudinally extending gas flow passage, the gas flow passage including an elongate valve chamber, an inlet into the gas flow passage for gas communication with a 30 manifold, and an outlet from the gas flow passage for directing a regulated flow of gas from the manifold to the burner, and a further valve chamber in the body; a safety valve mounted in the valve chamber and operable to control flow of gas through the gas flow passage from the inlet toward the outlet; and, a regulator WO 01/11278 PCT/AUOO/00949 18 valve mounted in the further valve chamber and operable to regulate flow of gas to the outlet, the regulator valve lying in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the gas flow passage.

38. A control assembly as claimed in claim 36 or 37, wherein the regulator 5 valve includes an elongate control key movable on a longitudinal axis to operate the regulator valve for regulating flow of gas, the control key longitudinal axis extending in the plane.

39. A control assembly as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 38, wherein the housing body is manufactured from metal bar stock material. 10

40. A gas control assembly for use with a gas burner, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.