Abstract:
A pressure control device and associated method of use capable of regulating fluid pressure for multiple fluid types. The pressure control device includes a fluid sensing port, a pressure responsive device, a fluid sensing port, a valve, a valve seat, a first valve chamber, a second valve chamber that is moveable in relationship to the first valve chamber, a first member located within the first valve chamber, a first biasing mechanism located between the pressure responsive device and the first member, a first adjustment mechanism adjustably attached to the first valve chamber for selectively positioning the first member in relation to the first valve chamber, a second member located within the second valve chamber, a second biasing mechanism to apply pressure to the second member and a second adjustment mechanism adjustably attached to the second valve chamber for selectively positioning the second member in relation to the second valve chamber.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In the past, there has been a desire to utilize more, than one type of fluid that is utilized as fuel for virtually any type of gas-powered devices including, but not limited to, furnaces, heaters, fireplaces, engines, and so forth. 
     Typically, most gas-powered devices require some type of regulation of the gas pressure. Two types of common fluids used as fuels include liquefied petroleum, e.g., liquid propane, and natural gas. There are major differences between these two fuels since they are supplied to the gas-powered devices at different pressures and they have different burning characteristics. For example, in a furnace or burner application, the typical pressure value for natural gas is 3.5 inches H 2 O while the typical pressure value for liquefied petroleum is 10.0 inches H 2 O. Therefore, a pressure regulator for a gas-powered device must regulate to a lower pressure for natural gas than for higher pressure than for liquefied petroleum. 
     Unfortunately, it is not always known what type of fuel will be available. In some situations, one type is available initially and then another type of fuel is available later. Also, there are situations when both are available but one is much less costly. 
     There are various situations in which it is not known at the outset, which type of fuel gas will be used, and/or in which the type of fuel gas may be changed at some point during the operating life of the device such as a furnace or other appliance. Either situation often occurs with a gas fireplace. Another common situation is in connection with new construction of permanent fixed location dwellings. Initially, natural gas may not be available because underground gas lines are not in place in the area, or because hook up to natural gas lines is delayed by frozen ground, or for other reasons. What is typically required is to change the entire gas valve to accommodate the new fuel or replace the regulator valve or components thereof to accommodate the change in pressure. This can be a very expensive and time-consuming conversion. Also, some gas-powered devices, e.g., furnaces, hot water heaters, and so forth are built without knowing the preferences of the ultimate consumer. There are also situations where a preferred fuel will be available in the future, but the fuel-powered device needs to be operational today. 
     The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the regulation of fluid pressure with a pressure control device that is capable of handling more than one fluid type. The preferred fluid is gas. 
     In one aspect of this invention, a pressure control device for regulating fluid pressure is disclosed. This pressure control device includes a fluid sensing port, a pressure responsive device adjacent to the fluid sensing port, a valve, a valve seat located between the valve and the pressure responsive device, an outlet that is in fluid communication with an adjustable opening located between the valve and the valve seat, a first valve chamber, a second valve chamber that is moveable in relationship to the first valve chamber along a first axis and in fluid communication therewith, a first member located within the first valve chamber, a first biasing mechanism located between the pressure responsive device and the first member to apply pressure to the pressure responsive device that controls the pressure of fluid from the outlet, a first adjustment mechanism adjustably attached to the first valve chamber for selectively positioning the first member in relation to the first valve chamber, a second member located within the second valve chamber, a second biasing mechanism to apply pressure to the second member and is located within the second valve chamber and a second adjustment mechanism adjustably attached to the second valve chamber for selectively positioning the second member in relation to the second valve chamber. 
     In another aspect of this invention, a method for regulating fluid pressure with a pressure control device is disclosed. This method includes selectively positioning a first member located within a first valve chamber with a first adjustment mechanism, wherein the first member is adjacent to a first biasing mechanism, selectively positioning the second valve chamber in relationship to a first valve chamber and selectively positioning a second member located within the second valve chamber with a second adjustment mechanism, wherein a second biasing mechanism is located between the second member and the second valve chamber, wherein the first biasing mechanism applies force to a pressure responsive device adjacent to the fluid sensing port to create an adjustable opening between a valve and a valve seat and the adjustable opening is in fluid communication with an outlet. 
     These are merely some of the innumerable aspects of the present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention. These and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following disclosure and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic of a main control device for delivering fuel in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an isolated top view of a control on/off pilot knob, as shown in  FIG. 1 , for the main fuel control device for delivering fuel in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  2 — 2  in  FIG. 1 , of a safety valve for the main fuel control device for delivering fuel; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a pressure regulator valve, as shown in  FIG. 1 , that allows for convertibility between natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas, each at two different levels of pressure in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view, taken along line  5 — 5  in  FIG. 4 , of the top of the knob for the pressure regulator valve that allows for convertibility between natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas each at different levels of pressure in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a first alternative embodiment of a pressure regulator valve, which provides convertibility between natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of a pressure regulator valve, which allows for adjustment of outlet pressure at different pressure levels with a control adjustment in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a third alternative embodiment of a pressure regulator valve, which allows for use of either natural gas or liquefied petroleum with a fixed adjustment at the time of manufacturing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of the main control device for delivering fuel in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the main control device for delivering fuel in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as to obscure the present invention. For example, the invention can be applied to virtually any type of gas-powered device that can be powered by natural gas and liquefied petroleum. Therefore, this invention can be applied to virtually any type of gas appliance including, but not limited to, furnaces, heaters, fireplaces, and so forth. In addition, this invention may be applied to an engine. The fuel is preferably, but not necessarily, gas. Illustrative, but nonlimiting examples of the types of gas utilized with the present invention include natural gas, manufactured gas and liquefied petroleum, e.g., liquid propane. 
     Referring now to the drawings, and initially to  FIG. 1 , where  FIG. 1  is a cross-section of a main control device that is utilized to deliver fuel, e.g., gas, at a regulated rate of pressure, which is generally indicated by numeral  2 . The main control device  2  includes a housing  3 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The fuel, e.g., gas, enters the main control device  2  through an inlet port  4  from a fuel supply (not shown). There is a screen  6  that prevents contaminants in the fuel, e.g., gas, from entering the main control device  2  from the inlet port  4 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , there is an electromagnetic safety valve  8  that can block the pressure of fuel coming from the inlet port  4 . The electromagnetic safety valve  8  is energized by applying a thermocouple or a thermopile to a connection  10  that applies current to a magnetic coil  17 , as shown in FIG.  10 . When the current is removed from the magnetic coil  17 , the return biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  14  pushes the plunger  16  against an opening  20 . The connection  10  is preferably, but not necessarily, a quick-connect type of device that is integrally connected to the electromagnetic safety valve  8 . The electromagnetic safety valve  8  can provide what is commonly referred to as a “flame supervision” type of device. An o-ring  12  prevents fluid, e.g., gas, from escaping from the electromagnetic safety valve  8 . 
     There is a control valve assembly that is generally indicated by numeral  21 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , there is a control valve adjustment knob that is generally indicated by numeral  22  that provides a user interface for operating the control valve assembly  21 . There is an “off” position  24 , where the control valve assembly  21  closes to prevent fuel, e.g., gas, flow to both a pilot assembly  30  and an actuator valve  32 , as shown in  FIG. 1. A  lack of fuel, e.g., gas, to the pilot assembly  30  will cool-off the thermocouple or the thermopile that was being applied to a thermocouple connection  10  so that the magnetic coil  17  is then de-energized. This will close the electromagnetic safety valve  8 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , there is an interlock mechanism  34  that includes a lever  36  that rotates on a pivot  37  and locks the electromagnetic safety valve  8  into position by utilizing a biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  38 . The interlock mechanism  34  will remain engaged in position until the electromagnetic safety valve  8  drops-out or is disengaged, thus allowing the control valve adjustment knob  22  to rotate back to the “on” position  28  or a “pilot” position  26  after the control valve adjustment knob  22  is turned to the “off” position  24 . When the control valve adjustment knob is pushed down when in the “pilot” position  26 , a reset shaft  25  will depress a plunger  16  against a return biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  14  into a position where fuel, e.g., gas, can flow into the main chamber  9 . 
     The control valve assembly  21  also includes a return biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  35  that provides positive positioning for the control valve adjustment knob  22 . The control valve adjustment knob  22  is attached to a reset shaft  25  by a wide variety of attachment mechanisms including adhesives, welding, brazing, and mechanical hardware, however, the preferred attachment mechanism is a threaded bolt  7 . It is this reset shaft  25  that either allows or prevents fuel, e.g., gas, from flowing to the pilot assembly  30 . The reset shaft  25  will also function to reset the electromagnetic safety valve  8 . Eccentrically projecting from the reset shaft  25  is a cam  23  that communicates the revolution of the reset shaft  25  into linear motion to turn a control valve  50  on or turn a control valve  50  off. Preferably, but not necessarily, the control valve  50  is a poppet valve. The cam  23  also provides contact with the interlock mechanism  34  to hold the lever  36  in position that is loaded by the biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  38 . There is a first o-ring  12  that prevents fuel, e.g., gas, from leaving the electromagnetic safety valve  8 . Also, there is a second o-ring  13  that controls fuel, e.g., gas, flow into the pilot assembly  30  and a third o-ring  11  that prevents fuel, e.g., gas, from flowing externally from the housing  3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , there is a “pilot” position  26  for the control valve adjustment knob  22  that allows fuel, e.g., gas, to flow through the energized electromagnetic safety valve  8  into the pilot assembly  30 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the fuel, e.g., gas, first goes past o-ring  13  into a first pilot fluid conduit  40  and then passes through a pilot filter  42  that removes contaminates from the fuel, e.g., gas. After coming out of the pilot filter  42 , the fuel, e.g., gas, goes into a second pilot fluid conduit  44 . From the second pilot fluid conduit  44 , the fuel passes into a pilot adjustment mechanism, e.g., valve  46 . The pilot adjustment mechanism, e.g., valve  46  meters the flow of fuel, e.g., gas, coming out of a pilot outlet  48 . The pilot outlet  48  can provide fuel, e.g., gas, to a pilot light (not shown). 
     There is also an “on” position  28 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , for the control valve adjustment knob  22  that allows fuel, e.g., gas, to flow through the energized electromagnetic safety valve  8  into the control valve  50 . When the electromagnetic safety valve  8  is energized in either the “pilot” or “on” position, the electromagnetic safety valve  8  is considered “locked-up.” The control valve  50 , when pushed opened by the cam  23  that is on the reset shaft  25  to allow fuel, e.g., gas, to flow to an actuator valve  32  through a first fluid conduit  52 . There is an actuator coil  54 , which is preferably an electromagnetic coil or solenoid. When electric current is supplied to the actuator coil  54  from an electrical connector  107  located on the housing  3  through an electrical conductor (not shown) from input received from a switch or thermostat (not shown), the actuator valve  32  then opens to provide fuel, e.g., gas, from the control valve  50 . 
     The fuel, e.g., gas, exits the actuator valve  32  from a fourth fluid conduit  109  that includes a primary bleed orifice  111  and against a pressure responsive device or diaphragm  64  for a main valve  60 . This is the first side  116  or upper portion of the diaphragm  64 . Moreover, the fuel, e.g., gas, exits the actuator valve  32  from a second fluid conduit  108  that includes a secondary bleed orifice  112  and against a diaphragm  64  for a main valve  60 . This is the second side  114  or lower portion of the diaphragm  64 . There is a balancing between the forces applied to the first side  116  versus the second side  114  of the diaphragm  64  with a need for additional pressure to be applied to the first side  116  of the diaphragm  64  to overcome the forces on the second side  114  of the diaphragm  64  as well as the pressure provided by a biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  84  associated with the main valve  60 . The primary bleed orifice  111  preferably has a larger diameter than the secondary bleed orifice  112  so the most of the fuel, e.g., gas, flows into the first side  116  of the diaphragm  64 . In the same manner, much more fuel, e.g., gas, can dissipate from the first side  116  of the diaphragm  64  to quickly control operation of the main valve  60  due to the greater volume of fuel, e.g., gas, flowing out of the primary bleed orifice  111  in contrast to the volume of fuel, e.g., gas, flowing out of the secondary bleed orifice  112 . 
     The diaphragm  64  for a main valve  60  is in contact with a first end portion  120  of a shaft  118 . The second end portion  122  of the shaft  118  is attached to a valve face  124 . The valve face  124  is preferably, but not necessarily, made of resilient material such as rubber. When the shaft  118  is deflected by the diaphragm  64  so that the valve face  124  is in contact with the bottom portion of the main valve  60 , fuel, e.g., gas, can flow around the outside of the valve face  124  and the valve seat  126  from a fifth fluid conduit  74 . The fifth fluid conduit  74  is in fluid communication to the main chamber  9  of the main control device  2  that receives fuel, e.g., gas from the inlet port  4 . The fuel, e.g., gas, then flows in an outlet chamber  130  and then through the outlet port  70  via a sixth conduit  150 . There is a screen  72  to block debris from entering the outlet port  70 . The outlet chamber  130  is also in fluid connection to a third fluid conduit  62  that provides a sensed fuel, e.g., gas, pressure to a regulator valve  56 . The main valve  60  can be attached to the main control device  2  by a wide variety of attachment mechanisms including adhesives, welding, brazing, and mechanical hardware, however, the preferred attachment mechanism is a pair of threaded bolts  132  and  133 , respectively. There is a sealing mechanism, e.g., o-ring,  134  to prevent fuel, e.g., gas from leaving the main valve  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the regulator valve  56  controls the gas pressure applied to the diaphragm  64  for the main valve  60  by regulating the distance or gap between a regulatory valve  88  and a valve seat  82 . The area between the regulatory valve diaphragm  80  and a valve seat  82  form a gas sensing port  83  that receives the fuel, e.g., gas, from the third fluid conduit  62 . The regulator valve  56  is preferably defined as a servo regulator. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , this distance or gap between a regulatory valve  88  and a valve seat  82  is controlled by the balanced force of a first biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  84  against the pressure of the fuel, e.g., gas in a gas sensing port  83  against a sensing diaphragm  80 . The regulatory valve  88  applies pressure on the first biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  84  to control the amount of force that is applied. There is an upper chamber portion  86  located above the valve  88 . There is a first adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  87  that is screwed into a first valve chamber or regulatory tower  89  and controls the vertical position of a first member or plunger  85 . This first adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  87  controls outlet pressure of a first fuel, e.g., natural gas, so that the outlet pressure is relatively low. There is a main regulator valve body or second valve chamber  91  that is threadedly assembled into the regulatory tower  89 , which can be rotated until the outlet pressure of a first fuel, e.g., natural gas, is relatively high. There is a second biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  103  that is located within the main regulator valve body  91 . 
     A knob  93  is assembled over the regulatory tower  89  that includes a stop (not shown) that indicates when the outlet pressure of a first fuel, e.g., natural gas, is relatively high. There is a second member or stem converter  95  that is assembled into the main regulator valve body  91 . 
     Moreover, a second adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  97  controls outlet pressure of a second fuel, e.g., liquefied petroleum. The second adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  97  is assembled over the stem converter  95 . The stem converter  95  can be turned to a position for utilizing the second fuel, e.g., liquefied petroleum. A tool, e.g., small screw driver, (not shown) can be utilized to turn the stem converter  95  to a position to utilize the second fuel, e.g., liquefied petroleum, by engaging notches  99 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , on the stem converter  95 . The second adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  97  is turned, e.g., clockwise, until the pressure for the second fuel, e.g., liquefied petroleum, is relatively high. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , there is a cap  101  that is assembled into the main regulator valve body  91  to provide a seal to prevent fuel, e.g., gas, from escaping in the event that the regulatory valve diaphragm  80  ruptures. Rotation of the knob  93  can incrementally increase or decrease the amount of pressure of the fuel, e.g., gas, depending on the direction of rotation. Rotation of the knob  93  in either direction, e.g., counter-clockwise, will reduce the pressure for either fuel until the pressure is relatively low. There is a cover assembly or support member  105  that attaches the regulatory valve  56  to the housing  3  for the main control device  2 . The cover assembly or support member  105  provides a holding means for the regulatory tower  89  and is shaped to prevent rotation of the regulatory tower  89  if subjected to that type of force. 
     The regulator valve  56  controls the amount of fuel, e.g., gas, passing into a main valve  60  through a fifth fluid conduit  74 . The main valve  60  is controlled by the regulator valve  56  and the actuator valve  32  in combination. When the regulator valve  56  is operating due to the fuel, e.g., gas, flow from the third fluid conduit  62 , the fifth fluid conduit  74  will deflect some of the fuel, e.g., gas, pressure from actuator valve  32  through primary bleed orifice  111 . This will increase the pressure on the first side  116  of the diaphragm  64  of the main valve  60 . This will move the second end portion  122  of the shaft  118 , having the operatively attached valve face  124 , away from the valve seat  126  to increase the fuel, e.g., gas, flow around the outside of the valve face  124  between the inlet port  4  and the outlet port  70 . When the actuator valve  32  is no longer receiving fuel, e.g., gas, from the control valve  50 , such as when the cam  23  turns the control valve  50  off or the electromagnetic safety valve  8  is no longer energized, then there will no longer be enough pressure on the first side  116  of the diaphragm  64  of the main valve  60 . This will move the second end portion  122  of the shaft  118 , having the operatively attached valve face  124 , against the valve seat  126  to stop the fuel, e.g., gas, flow around the outside of the valve face  124  so that fuel, e.g., gas no longer flows between the inlet port  4  and the outlet port  70 . 
     When the control valve  50  is closed, a significant advantage to the present invention is the ability to release fuel, e.g., gas pressure as soon as possible and not allow it to build up within the main control device  2 . The pressure on first side  116  of the diaphragm  64  of the main valve  60  is allowed to bleed off through a seventh fluid line  78 , having a tertiary bleed orifice  144 , through the manual valve  50  through the seventh fluid line  78  as well as through the third fluid line  62  into the outlet chamber  130  and then through the outlet  70 . Fuel is also quickly released from the actuator valve  32  to the second side  114  of the diaphragm  64  for the main valve  60  through the secondary bleed orifice  112  to outlet  70  to close the main valve  60 . 
     The actuator valve  32  is closed when the electric current is no longer being supplied to the electrical connector  107  so that the actuator valve  32  closes and prevents fuel, e.g., gas, from flowing against the second side  116  of the diaphragm  64  for the main valve  60 . This will force the higher pressure fuel, e.g., gas, to bleed back from the second side  116  of the diaphragm  64  for the main valve  60  through the valve seat  82  and the primary bleed orifice  111  and then through the secondary bleed orifice  112  of the second side  114  of the diaphragm  64  for the main valve  60  and then out through the outlet  70 . This will cause the valve face  124  to seal against the valve seat  126  to prevent fuel, e.g., gas, from flowing out of the seventh fluid conduit  74  from the electromagnetic safety valve  8 . 
     In addition to the previously described regulator valve  56 , a number of other regulator valves may suffice. A first alternative embodiment of a regulator valve  56  is a convertible regulator valve that is generally indicated by numeral  202  in FIG.  6 . The convertible regulator valve  202  controls the gas pressure applied to the diaphragm  64  for the main valve  60 . This is accomplished by the convertible regulator valve  202  receiving fuel, e.g., gas, from the third fluid conduit  62  into a gas sensing port  208 . The pressure from the fuel, e.g., gas, in the gas sensing port  208  pushes against a regulatory valve pressure responsive device or diaphragm  204  to create a distance or gap between a valve  207  and a valve seat  206 . 
     The distance or gap between the valve  207  and the valve seat  206  is controlled by the balanced force of a biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  210  against the pressure of the fuel, e.g., gas, in the gas sensing port  208  to assert a downward force on the regulatory valve diaphragm  204  to allow the convertible regulator valve  202  to operate at a predetermined set point for a desired outlet pressure. 
     There is a first member or plunger  212  that applies pressure on the biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  210  to control the amount of force that is applied. There is an adjustable valve chamber  224  located above the plunger  212 . There is an adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  214  that is threadedly connected to a first valve chamber or regulatory tower  216  and controls the vertical position of the plunger  212 . The adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  214  controls the amount of force on the regulatory valve diaphragm  204  to obtain an outlet pressure for a desired first type of fuel, e.g., natural gas, at a first, higher pressure. 
     There is a main regulator valve body or second valve chamber  218  that is threadedly assembled into the regulatory tower  216 , which can be rotated until the main regulator valve body  218  seals against the regulatory tower  216 . The main regulator valve body  218  has a dual function. The first function is to provide a gas seal in the event that the regulatory valve diaphragm  204  would rupture. The second function is to be able to utilize a second type of fuel, e.g., liquefied petroleum. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , there is a second member or adjustment lug  230  located with the main regulator valve body  218 . In the position as shown in  FIG. 6 , the adjustment lug  230  does not come into contact with the plunger  212  so that the height of the plunger  212  is controlled by the adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  214 . When main regulator valve body  218  is either flipped over or rotated downward, the adjustment lug  230  can come into contact with the plunger  212  and pushes the plunger  212  downward a predetermined distance for utilizing the second type of fuel, e.g., liquefied petroleum, as a second, higher pressure. The adjustment lug  230  is threadedly connected to the main regulator valve body  218  and adjusted by rotation. When the adjustment lug  230  is rotated downward, the adjustment lug  230  comes into contact with the plunger  212  and pushes the plunger  212  downward to increase pressure on the biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  210 . This sets the convertible regulator valve  202  to a second, higher pressure for the second type of fuel, e.g., liquefied petroleum. 
     There is a cover assembly or support member  233  that provides a holding means for the regulatory tower  216  and is shaped to prevent rotation of the regulatory tower  216  if subjected to that type of force. There is a removable cap  220  that is assembled into the main regulator valve body  218  to protect the threads located within the main regulator valve body  218  and reduce the ease in which someone may tamper with the adjustment lug  230 . 
     A second alternative embodiment of a regulator valve  56  is a manual pressure modulating (Hi-Lo) valve that is generally indicated by numeral  302  in FIG.  7 . The manual pressure modulating (Hi-Lo) valve  302  controls the gas pressure applied to the diaphragm  64  for the main valve  60  with control adjustment. This is accomplished by the manual pressure modulating (Hi-Lo) valve  302  receiving fuel, e.g., gas, from the third fluid conduit  62  into a gas sensing port  308 . The pressure from the fuel, e.g., gas, in the gas sensing port  308  pushes against a regulatory valve diaphragm  304  to create a distance or gap between a valve  307  and a valve seat  306 . 
     The distance or gap between the valve  307  and the valve seat  306  is controlled by the balanced force of a biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  310  against the pressure of the fuel, e.g., gas, in the gas sensing port  308  to assert a downward force on the regulatory valve pressure responsive device or diaphragm  304  to allow the manual pressure modulating (Hi-Lo) valve  302  to operate at a predetermined set point for a desired outlet pressure. 
     There is a first member or plunger  312  that applies pressure on the biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  310  to control the amount of force that is applied. There is an adjustable valve chamber  324  located above the plunger  312 . There is an adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  314  that is threadedly connected to a first valve chamber or regulatory tower  316  and controls the vertical position of the plunger  312 . The adjustment mechanism, e.g., screw,  314  controls the amount of force on the regulatory valve diaphragm  304  to obtain an outlet pressure for a desired type of fuel at a first, lower pressure. 
     There is a main regulator valve body or second valve chamber  318  that is threadedly assembled into the first valve chamber or regulatory tower  316 . The main regulator valve body  318  has a dual function. The first function is to provide a gas seal in the event that the regulatory valve diaphragm  304  would rupture. The second function is to provide an adjustable support or assembly mechanism for a second member or selector mechanism  330 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the selector mechanism  330  is threadedly connected to the main regulator valve body  318 . The height of the selector mechanism  330  can be adjusted by rotating the selector mechanism  330 . When rotated, the selector mechanism  330  moves downward and comes into contact with the plunger  312  and pushes the plunger  312  downward a predetermined distance for utilizing the fuel at a second, higher pressure. 
     There is a knob  333  that is located over the selector mechanism  330 . The knob  333  includes a stop  335  for fixing a position for the second, higher pressure of fuel flow by having the stop  335  positioned against a knob locator  337 . By rotating the knob  333  in the other direction will move the selector mechanism  330  upward so that the selector mechanism  330  will no longer be in contact with the plunger  312  to return the outlet pressure to the first, lower pressure with a desired type of fuel for the manual pressure modulating (Hi-Lo) valve  302 . 
     There is a cover assembly or support member  340  that provides a holding means for the regulatory tower  316  and is shaped to prevent rotation of the regulatory tower  316  if subjected to that type of force. There is a screw  320  that is connected to the selector mechanism  330  that holds the knob  333  securely in place and prevents the knob  333  from slipping. 
     A third alternative embodiment of a regulator valve  56  is a fixed regulator valve that is generally indicated by numeral  402  in FIG.  8 . The fixed regulator valve  402  controls the gas pressure applied to the diaphragm  64  for the main valve  60  with a fixed adjustment that is typically made at the time of manufacture. This is accomplished by the fixed regulator valve  402  receiving fuel, e.g., gas, from the third fluid conduit  62  into a gas sensing port  408 . The pressure from the fuel, e.g., gas, in the gas sensing port  408  pushes against a regulatory valve pressure responsive device or diaphragm  404  to create a distance or gap between a valve  407  and a valve seat  406 . 
     The distance or gap between the valve  407  and the valve seat  406  is controlled by the balanced force of a biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  410  against the pressure of the fuel, e.g., gas, in the gas sensing port  408  to assert a downward force on the regulatory valve diaphragm  404  to allow the fixed regulator valve  402  to operate at a predetermined set point for a desired outlet pressure. 
     There is a stop  414  that applies pressure on the biasing mechanism, e.g., spring,  410  to control the amount of force that is applied. The stop  414  that is connected to a main regulator valve body or second valve chamber  418  and may be threadedly engaged for adjustment at the place of manufacture to determine whether relatively low or high pressure is desired. 
     There is a valve chamber  424  located above the first member or plunger  412 . There is a sealed cap  421  positioned above the stop  414  that provides a dual function. The first function is to prevent someone from opening the fixed regulator valve  402  and resetting the position of the stop  414  after being initially set during manufacturing. The second function is to provide a gas seal in the event that the regulatory valve diaphragm  404  would rupture. 
     There is a cover assembly or support member  440  that provides a holding means for the main regulator valve body  418  and is shaped to prevent rotation of main regulator valve body  418  if subjected to that type of force. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the outer structure of the main control device  2  is illustrated within the housing  3 . In  FIG. 9 , which is a top perspective view of the main control device  2 , the control valve adjustment knob  22  and regulator valve  56  are shown on the top portion of the housing  3  for the main control device  2 . On the left hand side is the inlet port  4  and to the right is the outer cover  236  for the diaphragm  64  for the main valve  60 . There are a series of screws  400  that hold the housing  3  together. 
     In  FIG. 10 , which is a bottom perspective view of the main control device  2 , the right hand side shows the pilot outlet  48 , a connection  10  and the outlet port  70 . There is an electrical conductor, e.g., wire, support  228  that allows for a thermocouple or thermopile electrical interconnection between the connection  10  and the magnetic coil  17  of the electromagnetic safety valve  8 . 
     Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention and the method of using the same has been described in the foregoing specification with considerable details, it is to be understood that modifications may be made to the invention which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims and modified forms of the present invention done by others skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be considered infringements of this invention when those modified forms fall within the claimed scope of this invention.