Pressure Atomizing Oil Burner Equipment and Systems – Fuel Flow and Combustion Controls
A 1920’s high tech, automated, flame monitoring device for oil fired, home heating systems. Paired with the manufacturer’s “Locksmith” electromagnetic combustion controller [see ID#228], it operated using a helical bimetal spring to actuate twin mercury bulb switches, in order to control starting and running operations, ignition duration, flame failure and safety recycling time, Model 48H, Time-O-Stat Controls Co., Elkhart Ind. [I of 2, see ID# 229]
Features:
– Gloss black, pressed steel cabinet with built in electrical junction box
– Sophisticated name plate and logo in black, red and chrome
– Instructions stencilled to the inside of cover is a reminder of the complexity of the system, the dangers and risks of malpractice and the need for informed owners and operators
Technical Significance:
– The controller, with twin, tilting mercury bulb switches, stands as a marker of the period in the development of early line voltage automated, alternating current switching devices for inductive loads [electric motors]. Here the mercury tube became the preferred switching medium.
– The charred inside surface of the control cover shows the effect of an electrical fire at one point, not uncommon in early switching devices used on high starting current A.C. induction loads [electric motors]
– With the “Locksmith” system, and stack located heat monitor, compact and elegant in concept, design and construction the Absolute Con-Tac-Tor Corp., later Time-O-Stat Controls Co. would introduce a new generation of advanced engineered combustion safety controls [c.f., ID # 226 and 227] and take over acknowledged leadership in the field of automatic oil heating for the Canadian home.
– Absolute Con-Tac-Tor Corp, later Time-O-Stat Controls Co.moved to adopt an integrated systems approach, with its companion stack mounted heat sensor [ID # 229] and room thermostat [ID #215. The system stopped and started the oil burner, on call from the room thermostat, through a line voltage, electric solenoid actuated mercury bulb switch. New for the times, a compact thermally timed interlock, with manual reset performed the safety protection function.
– While simple, by contrast to the next generation of combustion controllers [See 234], these automated, electrical control devices were non-the-less something of a marvel, given the embryonic nature of engineering systems know-how of the times.
– These embryonic, electric automated systems were representative of the earliest introduction of complex systems into the Canadian home. See Note #2
Industrial Significance:
– Absolute Con-Tac-Tor Corp., later Time-O-Stat Controls Co., would launch a new generation of combustion control and safety technology with their “Locksmith” system. Compact and elegant in concept, design and construction it would prove to be the market leader. Later Time-O-Stat would be bought out by Honeywell to carry on in the position of widely acknowledged industry leader in HVACR automation and control
– Time-O-Stat Lockswitch and Stack Switch technology was widely used on both mechanical atomizing [See collection display item H2] and pressure atomizing [See collection display item H4] automatic oil heating systems in Canada throughout the early years of the industry.
– These control systems were a source of wonderment and no little fear for the Canadian public, as well as for many of the tradesmen who were called upon to understand, install and repair them, as well as to advise the homeowner on their proper, satisfactory operation.
– Absolute Con-Tac-Tor Corp., later Time-O-Stat Controls Co., would be among the first technology suppliers to the HVACR field, who understanding the increasing complexity of their automation technology, would provide service, installation and logic, trouble shooting guides.