Patent ID: 8812162

Claim:
A controller for coupling to a pollution control device (PCD) configured to combust unburned material resulting from a bio-fuel fire, the controller comprising: a first port configured to be coupled to a temperature sensor to receive a PCD temperature signal that indicates a temperature related to the PCD; a second sort configured to be coupled to a thermostat to receive a heat call signal indicating a call for heat to be generated by the bio-fuel fire; a third port configured to be coupled to a heater, other than the bio-fuel fire, configured to heat the PCD, the third port being configured to transmit a PCD heat control signal to the heater to cause operation of the heater; and a processor coupled to the first port, the second port and the third port and configured to: receive the PCD temperature signal via the first port; receive the heat call signal via the second port; and automatically generate the PCD heater control signal and send the PCD heater control signal via the third port, whenever the heat call signal is received and the PCD temperature signal indicates the temperature related to the PCD is below a first predetermined value.