Abstract:
An automated torch for generating and sustaining a flame is provided that includes a head, the head including a burning chamber, the burning chamber being open to the atmosphere and weather elements to expose the flame to the atmosphere and weather elements, a pole, a valve, a programmable computer module, the module configured to convert a low voltage to a high voltage, the module further configured to actuate a valve, the module still further configured to control the rotation of the valve to vary the amount of fuel introduced into the burning chamber to modify the aesthetics of the flame, a sleeve nut, the sleeve nut configured to be adjustable to control the amount of air introduced in the burning chamber to modify the aesthetics of the flame, at least one fuel supply tube, a diffuser assembly and an igniter. The igniter positioned within the burning chamber and the igniter including an anode and a cathode. The anode and the cathode are positioned such that the anode is proximate the cathode to create a sufficient gap such that when the high voltage is applied to said igniter a spark is induced across the gap. The anode and the cathode of the igniter are configured to detect the presence of a flame within the burning chamber. The igniter is configured to be electrically connected to the programmable computer module, the programmable computer module programmed to interpret a signal from the igniter to determine whether the high voltage should be induced across the gap to create the spark or a flame is present in the burning chamber.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to torches and, more particularly, to a torch capable of automated flame ignition. 
     2. Background Art 
     Torches, and, more particularly, what are known in the art as tiki torches have been used for thousands of years by inhabitants of the South Pacific Islands and other areas as a source of light. While tiki torches may still be relied upon for light by some, many use the tiki torches of today as decorative pieces that not only provide a source of light but also enhance the landscape of a home, building, hotel and the like. 
     Many different types of torches are in use today. There are inexpensive tiki torches that may be purchased at a local store and placed around the yard of a home to enhance the landscape or to light a path. Often these torches are manufactured of inexpensive materials such as wood and like materials and typically are not manufactured to withstand weather elements for an extended period of time. Generally the structure of these types of torches will last for a few years before replacement is needed. There are also tiki torches that are manufactured of other material such as steel and like metals that are designed to last longer than their less expensive wood counterparts. 
     Fuel for the torches may be petroleum based and often burn quite dirty thus depositing unsightly black soot on the outside of the heads of torches as well as sending harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Igniting the torches may be a chore as well. Typically, the torches must be hand lit with matches and the like, which may take a considerable amount of time if there are a number of tiki torches on the grounds such as at a hotel. Once lit, torches will tend to extinguish under a heavy wind or rain or when the fuel is exhausted and the chore of relighting the torches begins again. 
     Torches have been developed that are capable of self igniting once they have become extinguished. However, these torches require the use of computer systems that are generally quite large and cannot be wholly contained in the torch itself thus leading to an unsightly addition to the landscape. Many of today&#39;s torches continue to rely on petroleum based products as fuel which continue to create unsightly deposits on the heads of torches as well as spewing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. 
     Therefore, a need exists for an automated torch that is capable of re-igniting the flame when the flame is unexpectedly extinguished by wind, rain and the like. A need also exists for a completely self contained unit, apart from the fuel source, such that the torches remain aesthetically pleasing while being completely functional. A further need still exists for a torch that is capable of operating with fuels that burn very clean for appearance as well as environmental purposes. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An automated torch for generating and sustaining a flame is provided that includes a head, the head including a burning chamber, the burning chamber being open to the atmosphere and weather elements to expose the flame to the atmosphere and weather elements, a pole, a valve, a programmable computer module, the module configured to convert a low voltage to a high voltage, the module further configured to actuate a valve, the module still further configured to control the valve to vary the amount of fuel introduced into the burning chamber to modify the aesthetics of the flame, a sleeve nut, the sleeve nut configured to be adjustable to control the amount of air introduced in the burning chamber to modify the aesthetics of the flame, at least one fuel supply tube, a diffuser assembly and an igniter. The igniter positioned within the burning chamber and the igniter including an anode and a cathode. The anode and the cathode are positioned such that the anode is proximate the cathode to create a sufficient gap such that when the high voltage is applied to said igniter a spark is induced across the gap. The anode and the cathode of the igniter are configured to detect the presence of a flame within the burning chamber. The igniter is configured to be electrically connected to the programmable computer module, the programmable computer module programmed to interpret a signal from the igniter to determine whether the high voltage should be induced across the gap to create the spark or a flame is present in the burning chamber. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, claims, and drawings, of which the following is a brief description: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of automated torches according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged front view of a head and of a pole of the automated torch according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is top view of the automated torch according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  is top view of the automated torch according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the head and the pole of the automated torch according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a head and the pole of the automated torch according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4C  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the head and a burning chamber of  FIG. 4A  of the automated torch according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4D  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the head and a burning chamber of the automated torch according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the automated torch according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged front view of a head and of a pole of the automated torch according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the head and the pole of the automated torch according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the automated torch according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged front view of a head and of a pole of the automated torch according to still another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the head and the pole of the automated torch according to embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged front view of a head and of a pole of the automated torch according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged front view of a head and of a pole of the automated torch according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, preferred illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain the present invention. Further, the embodiments set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise to limit or restrict the invention to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. 
     Now referring to the drawings, an automated torch  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 . According to an embodiment of the present invention, torch  10  includes a head  12  and a pole  14 . Head  12  will contain many of the features that will control the operation of torch  10 . These features will be more fully described below. Pole  14  contains still further features for the operation of torch  10  as well as providing a rigid structure to support head  12  and torch  10 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an enlarged view of head  12 . In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the shape of head  12  is that of a traditional tiki torch. Typically, a traditional tiki torch design is an inverted cone shape that includes a squared off top transitioning into a cylinder for housing the ignition source. It is important to note, however, that the torch may have a head  12  constructed of virtually any design, yet still maintain the general basis of the invention. Samples of other torch designs are illustrated in  FIGS. 6-12 . 
     A cross-sectional view of pole  14  is also illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-5 . Pole  14  may be manufactured of any material that will be aesthetically pleasing to the owner while providing a rigid mount for the entire of torch  10  and head  12 . Pole  14  may be manufactured of copper, stainless steel, steel wrapped with roping and the like. Pole  14  generally houses a gas pipe  16  that extends from a gas supply source (not shown) to head  12 . Pipe  16  supplies a source of fuel to torch  10  as one component of creating a flame. Fuel may be from any source such as natural gas, propane and the like. In other embodiments of the present invention to be discussed later, pole  14  may be sized to house other components of torch  10 . Pole  14  may also house electrical wires  18  that extend from an electrical source (e.g. a 24 volt supply) and through pole  14  to a computer module  20  that is used to operate torch  10 . 
     As stated above, pole  14  and pipe  16  provide a rigid support for torch  10  and head  12  and may be constructed to withstand the elements of wind, heat, cold and precipitation. Pole  14  may be anchored to the ground by sinking pole  14  directly into the earth, setting pole  14  into a concrete base, setting pole  14  into a wood base, and the like (See e.g.  FIGS. 1 and 5 ). No matter what anchoring system is used to position and secure torch  10 , a supply of gas and electricity may be brought to torch  10  through a system of underground piping  58  such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing (as shown in  FIG. 8 ). Pipe  58  may be secured to the bottom of pole  14  by threading both ends of pipe  58  and pole  14  such that pole  14  may be screwed directly onto pipe  58 . Alternatively, any type of fasteners, such as screws, may be used to secure pole  14  to pipe  58  to provide a pathway for pipe  16 , wires  18  and any other component that may travel from a source (electrical box, gas supply, etc.) to torch  10  ultimately to be used to create a flame at head  12 . A standard manual ball valve (not shown) may be added to pipe  16  near the base so that the flow of gas may be manually controlled at torch  10 . 
     A cross-sectional view of head  12  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-5  as well. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, head  12  includes sidewalls  22  that have been fashioned in the shape of a cone, a bottom plate  24  that intersects sidewalls  22  at a bottom of head  12 , a top plate  26  that intersects sidewalls  22  at a top of head  12 . A cylindrical top component that creates a burning chamber  28  extends generally outward from top plate  26 . 
     The interior of head  12  may house many of the components that are used in the operation of torch  10 . Computer module  20  may be encased within head  12  and may be generally positioned anywhere within head  12 . In this particular embodiment of the present invention, module  20  is positioned such that it is proximate bottom plate  24 . Also housed within head  12  is a pipe  30  that extends from near bottom plate  24  through top plate  26  and into burning chamber  28 . A pipe fitting  54  connects pipe  30  with gas pipe  16 . In this particular embodiment of the present invention, pipe  16  may be ¾″ in diameter and pipe  30  may be ¼″ in diameter, therefore, fitting  54  may be sized to make the transition from the larger diameter pipe  16  to the smaller diameter pipe  30 . One skilled in the art would appreciate the transition to a smaller diameter pipe to enable critical package space within head  12  while maintaining an adequate supply of fuel to the flame. Further contained within the interior of head  12  is a valve  32  that may be integrated into pipe  30  and may be electrically controlled by module  20  to vary the flow of fuel from the gas supply to head  12  of torch  10 . 
     Referring now to chamber  28  of head  12 , a diffuser assembly  34  is positioned and secured to pipe  30  near the top of pipe  30 . Diffuser  34  includes a stem  36  and a cap  38 . Stem  36  may include a plurality of holes  40  to allow for atmospheric air to enter stem  36  and mix with fuel from pipe  30  in stem  36 . Stem  36  may include a venturi hole  60  that may be sized such that a typical venturi effect may be created between stem  36  and pipe  30  to draw outside air or oxygen through holes  40  and into stem  36  to mix with the fuel. The amount of fuel entering stem  36  may be controlled by varying the size of hole  60 . The amount of air or oxygen entering stem  36  may be controlled by the size of holes  40  as well as by introducing a sleeve nut  56  into holes  40  that may be adjusted to control the flow of air. Controlling the amount of air or oxygen and the amount of fuel that is introduced into stem  36  will allow for the adjusting of the flame aesthetics (e.g. controlling flame height). Cap  38  may include a number of slots  42  to allow fuel, such as natural gas, and air mixture to escape from pipe  30  such that it may be used to create a flame when ignited. Cap  38  may include any number of slots to create the desired flame pattern that is most aesthetically pleasing. 
     Also included within chamber  28  is means for igniting the fuel. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, an igniter  44  may be attached to top plate  26  of head  12  and extends into chamber  28 . Igniter  44  is generally known by those skilled in the art and may include an anode  50  and cathode  52 . Anode  50  and cathode  52  are generally positioned proximate one another yet insulated from each other by ceramic or other material. Anode  50  and cathode  52  are designed in igniter  44  such that a gap is created between them. When a voltage is applied to igniter  44 , a spark will be induced across the gap between anode  50  and cathode  52  to complete the electrical circuit. The amount of voltage required to cross the gap is dependant of the size of the gap as well as the materials used in the igniter. Igniter  44  may be positioned proximate diffuser  34  such that a spark created by igniter  44  across the gap will ignite the fuel escaping from pipe  30  through diffuser  34  to create a flame. Igniter  44  is attached to module  20  by a high voltage cable  46 . Igniter  44  is connected to module  20  in this manner such that module  20  may control the operation of igniter  44 . 
     Furthermore, anode  50  and cathode  52  of igniter  44  may be a flame detection sensor as well for ensuring that a flame is present to burn the fuel from pipe  30  by detecting the rise in temperature that a flame provides versus the absence of a flame. This change in temperature caused by the existence or absence of flame induces a voltage change in igniter  44 . Igniter  44  may provide voltage information to module  20  through the electrical connection between igniter  44  and module  20 , thus providing module  20  with the information of whether a flame is present. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention anode  50  and cathode  52  of igniter  44  may be designed such that anode  50  and cathode  52  encircle diffuser assembly  34  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3B and 4D . Anode  50  and cathode  52  will still be separated as described above such that when a voltage is applied to igniter  44 , a spark will be induced across the gap between anode  50  and cathode  52  to complete the electrical circuit and ignite any fuel that may be present in burning chamber  28 . Anode  50  and cathode  52  may continue to be a flame detection sensor as well, a flame detection sensor that encircles diffuser assembly  34  and much of chamber  28 . Anode  50  and cathode  52  be designed in this manner to detect any flame that may be present within chamber  28 . For example, a strong wind may blow across chamber  28  forcing any flame that is present to one side of burning chamber  28 , opposite the side of the burning chamber where igniter  44  (as shown in  FIG. 4C  for example) is positioned. The flame may be at a location in chamber  28  due to a strong wind such that igniter/flame detection sensor  44  may send a voltage to module  20  stating that the flame has been extinguished when, actually, the flame is still present. Providing a design where anode  50  and cathode  52  may encircle diffuser  34  and circle the interior of chamber  28  will help to ensure a proper flame detection for a flame that may be present in any part of burning chamber  28 . 
     Burning chamber  28  may also include a plate  48  that encircles stem  36  and extends to near the interior surface of chamber  28 . Plate  48  may be designed to prevent wind, rain, snow and other weather elements from disrupting the air flow entering holes  40 . Disrupting the control of air flow into chamber  28  and stem  36  (either too much air or too little air) will have an effect on flame production as described above. Plate may also be used to aid in preventing large pieces of debris from entering chamber  28  and disrupting air flow into burning chamber  28  and ultimately stem  36 . Plate  48  may be made of any suitable material such as metal, plastic, ceramic and the like. 
     Now referring to the operation of torch  10 , computer module  20  contains circuitry for operating torch  10 . Once positioned and electrical and gas tubing connections have been made, a continuous supply of fuel, such as natural gas, propane, and the like, may be fed to torch  10  from the source. Power or electricity, generally from a typical 24-volt power supply, may be delivered to torch  10  through wires  18  as long as the source of electrical power is providing the electricity. This electricity will power module  20 , valve  32  and igniter  44  thus allowing for the full operation of torch  10 . 
     Torch  10  may be operated by module  20  through the use of a computer program or code. The computer program may be written such that module  20  may control the flow of fuel through pipe  16 , pipe  30  and out of diffuser assembly  34  by opening and closing valve  32  of pipe  30 . The computer program may also contain code or programming language that controls the operation of igniter  44 . Module  20  may receive voltage data or information from igniter/sensor  44  and module  20  may infer from the data whether a flame is present or not and based on this data, determine whether to activate igniter. 
     With both sources of fuel and electricity fully operational, torch  10  may be activated in the following manner. Fuel will be flowing through gas pipe  16  to valve  32 . A switch (not shown) may be engaged to direct electrical power to module  20 . Once energized, module  20  may open valve  32  that will allow the flow of fuel through pipe  30  and out of diffuser assembly  34 . Igniter/sensor  44  will also be operational and determine whether there is a flame present to burn the fuel by detecting heat. If the voltage is not at a specified threshold for flame presence, module  20  will activate igniter  44  by sending a high voltage through cable  46 . The voltage will be at a level such that a spark will be induced across the anode  50  and cathode  52  of igniter  44 . This spark will ignite the fuel traveling trough pipe  30  and out of diffuser  34  to create an aesthetically pleasing flame. 
     Once a flame has been created in torch  10 , the flame will remain lit until the fuel supply if turned off and/or the electrical supply is interrupted. If, however, the flame of torch  10  is extinguished by wind, precipitation or other means, the voltage at igniter/sensor  44  will change and module  20  will detect that the voltage from igniter/sensor  44  has fallen below a specified limit (i.e. there is no flame present in chamber  28 ). If this occurs, module  20  will again send a high voltage signal to igniter  44  in an attempt to create a spark across the gap thus igniting the fuel and return a flame to torch  10 . Each time the flame is extinguished by wind, precipitation and other means, torch  10  will continue to relight itself until the fuel supply is shut-off and/or the electrical supply is terminated. Module  20  of torch  10  may be programmed to cycle through the relighting phase each time the flame is extinguished or, alternatively, the flame cannot be lit due to excessive wind or precipitation. For example, a cycle may consist of attempting to relight the torch for a 30 second period. If the flame is not relit, the module may turn off the fuel and igniter for a period of time, such as 15 seconds, then turn the fuel back on and attempt to light the torch for another 30 second period. This cycle may continue for a specified time prior to the system shutting down for an extended period of time such as five minutes before continuing the reigniting cycle once again. 
     As stated above, the aesthetics of the flame may be controlled by the amount of atmospheric air or oxygen and the amount of fuel being drawn into stem  36 . If a larger flame is desired, the amount of air being drawn into stem  36  may be reduced dramatically such that little or no air is being mixed with the fuel. The holes may be closed off by adjusting sleeve nut  56  into holes  40 . Alternatively, venturi hole  60  may be enlarged to allow for more fuel to enter stem  36 . With little or no air mixing with the fuel, torch  10  will produce a larger flame that is burning almost exclusively from the fuel supplied to torch  10 . While the larger flame may be aesthetically pleasing, it does, however, have drawbacks. For instance, fuel consumption increases greatly versus burning a fuel/air mixture as well as the emissions produce by the burning fuel. Air may be introduced to both reduce fuel consumption and emissions, yet a smaller flame may be produced. There may also be an amount of air that may be drawn into stem  36  such that all the fuel may be burned by the flame and effectively reducing harmful emissions to zero. Fuel consumption, flame height as well as flame color are all adjustable by changing the amount of air or oxygen entering stem  36  though holes  40  and changing the amount of fuel introduced into stem  36  by modifying the size of hole  60 , thus altering the fuel/air mixture. 
     While the above embodiment of the present invention has been described through the use of a commonly used tiki torch design, it is important to note however, that torch  10  may be manufactured in other designs. Each of the designs described below will all have the same common concepts of the previous torch design, that of being automated and completely self contained but for fuel and electrical supplies. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 , head  120  of torch  100  is shown. In this particular embodiment, head  120  is shaped as a bowl having an opening  122  that allows for the passage of pole  140 . Although torch  100  exhibits a different head  120  design, it is important to note that many of the components of torch  10  are also included in torch  100 . Gas tube  160  extends from a gas supply through pole  140  to a valve  320 . Electrical wiring  18  extends from a electrical source to computer module  20 . In this particular embodiment of the present invention, module  20  may be positioned with in pole  140  versus head  12  of torch  10 . The location change of module  20  may be for package reasons and operates in much the same manner as module  20  of torch  10 . 
     A second gas tube  162  extends from valve  320  to diffuser assembly  34 , diffuser assembly  34  being positioned within burning chamber  28 . Igniter  44  is also positioned within chamber  28  and is proximate to diffuser  34 . Igniter/sensor  44  is also connected to module  20  by high voltage cable  46 . 
     Torch  100  will operate in much the same manner as torch  10 . Fuel will be supplied to torch  100  through gas tube  160  to valve  320 . An electrically energized module  20  will open valve  320  to allow fuel to flow through tube  162  and into diffuser  34  and out to the open atmosphere. Igniter/sensor  44  will provide a voltage reading to module  20  and if the voltage is below a set threshold, module  20  will send a high voltage signal to igniter  44  to induce a spark across the gap created by the positioning of anode  50  and cathode  52 . The spark will ignite the fuel and create an aesthetically pleasing flame. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , torch  110  is shown with a pole  142  having a taper near the top as pole  142  enters head  124 . In this particular embodiment, head  124  is once again shaped as a bowl having an opening  126  that allows for the passage of pole  142 . As discussed previously, although pole  142  and head  124  may be of a slightly different design from pervious torches  10  and  100 , many of the components are very similar and will operate in the same fashion as first described above. In this particular embodiment, computer module  20  may be positioned in the larger tapered portion of pole  142 , and electrical wiring  18  may be connected to module  20 . Gas tube  160  extends the length of pole  142  from the fuel supply to valve  320 . Second gas tube  162  extends from valve  320  to diffuser assembly  34 , diffuser assembly  34  once again being positioned in burning chamber  28 . Igniter/sensor  44  is also positioned in chamber  28  as described above. 
     Torch  110  will operate in much the same manner as torches  10  and  100 . Fuel will be supplied to torch  110  through gas tube  160  to valve  320 . An electrically energized module  20  will open valve  320  to allow fuel to flow through tube  162  and into diffuser  34  and out to the open atmosphere. Igniter/sensor  44  will provide a voltage reading to module  20  and if the voltage is below a set threshold, module  20  will send a high voltage signal to igniter  44  to create a spark across the gap created by the positioning of anode  50  and cathode  52 . The spark will ignite the fuel and create an aesthetically pleasing flame. 
     In still another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 11 , torch  112  is shown with a head  128  having a plurality of wings  130  extending outward from a base  132  of head  128 . As discussed previously, although head  128  may be of a slightly different design from pervious torches  10 ,  100  and  110 , many of the components are very similar and will operate in the same fashion as first described above. In this particular embodiment, computer module  20  may be positioned in pole  140 , and electrical wiring  18  is connected to module  20  (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). Gas tube  160  extends the length of pole  140  from the fuel supply to valve  320  (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). Second gas tube  162  extends from valve  320  to diffuser assembly  34 , diffuser assembly  34  being positioned in burning chamber  28  (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). Igniter/sensor  44  is also positioned in chamber  28  as described above (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). 
     Torch  112  will operate in much the same manner as torches  10 ,  100  and  110 . Fuel will be supplied to torch  112  through gas tube  160  to valve  320  (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). An electrically energized module  20  will open valve  320  to allow fuel to flow through tube  162  and into diffuser  34  and out to the open atmosphere (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). Igniter/sensor  44  will provide a voltage reading to module  20  and if the voltage is below a set threshold, module  20  will send a high voltage signal to igniter  44  to create a spark across the gap created by the positioning of anode  50  and cathode  52  (see e.g.  FIGS. 4C and 7 ). The spark will ignite the fuel and create an aesthetically pleasing flame. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 12 , torch  114  is shown with a decorative head  134 . As discussed previously, although head  134  may be of a slightly different design from pervious torches  10 ,  100 ,  110  and  112 , many of the components are very similar and will operate in the same fashion as first described above. In this particular embodiment, computer module  20  may be positioned in pole  140 , and electrical wiring  18  is connected to module  20  (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). Gas tube  160  extends the length of pole  140  from the fuel supply to valve  320  (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). Second gas tube  162  extends from valve  320  to diffuser assembly  34 , diffuser assembly  34  being positioned in burning chamber  28  (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). Igniter/sensor  44  is also positioned in chamber  28  as described above (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). 
     Torch  114  will operate in much the same manner as torches  10 ,  100 ,  110  and  112 . Fuel will be supplied to torch  114  through gas tube  160  to valve  320  (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). An electrically energized module  20  will open valve  320  to allow fuel to flow through tube  162  and into diffuser  34  and out to the open atmosphere (see e.g.  FIG. 7 ). Igniter/sensor  44  will provide a voltage reading to module  20  and if the voltage is below a set threshold, module  20  will send a high voltage signal to igniter  44  to create a spark across the gap created by the positioning of anode  50  and cathode  52  (see e.g.  FIGS. 4C and 7 ). The spark will ignite the fuel and create an aesthetically pleasing flame. 
     The operation of torch  10  has been described above and offers many advantages over the prior art, namely, torch  10  may be a full contained and automated system. Torch  10  relies on a simple supply of fuel such as natural gas through common tubing means as well as a standard electrical system. Module  20  along with igniter/sensor  44  are fully contained within torch  10  and makes for a more aesthetically pleasing torch for landscaping purposes (i.e. there are no large unsightly computer boxes or gas supply valves that would be strewn across the landscape as required with other torch systems.) Furthermore, torch  10  does not require manual relighting. As long as the fuel supply continues to flow through torch  10  and the electrical supply remains uninterrupted, a flame will be present at the top of torch  10 . Even if the flame is extinguished by wind, precipitation or other means, as long as there is fuel and electricity, torch  10  may be relit automatically and continue to produce a most aesthetically pleasing flame. Although torches  100 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  may have different aesthetic designs, they still operate in a similar manner as torch  10 . There are even further designs of torch heads and poles that may be contemplated, yet will operate in a similar fashion as the invention described above. 
     The present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiment, which is merely illustrative of the best modes presently known for carrying out the invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the embodiment of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the method within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. This description of the invention should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combination of elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or a later application to any novel non-obvious combination of these elements. Moreover, the foregoing embodiment is illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application.