WO2023229926A1

WO2023229926A1 - Gas flow adjustment device

Info

Publication number: WO2023229926A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/022844
Authority: WO
Inventors: Satya Kiran GULLAPALLI; Justin REYES; Juan Carlos Montanez
Original assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
Priority date: 2022-05-23
Filing date: 2023-05-19
Publication date: 2023-11-30

Abstract

A gas flow adjustment device that includes a housing defining a first opening configured to receive gas and a second opening aligned with the first opening. The second opening is configured to deliver the gas from the housing. The device includes a circular plate rotatably disposed in the housing. The circular plate defines a cutout selectively aligned with each of the first opening and the second opening to define a gas flow path. The device also includes a rotatable member engaged with the circular plate. The rotatable member is configured to: (a) rotate the circular plate about an axis of the circular plate; and (b) adjust a volume of gas flowing across the circular plate and along the gas flow path.

Description

GAS FLOW ADJUSTMENT DEVICE

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63/365,140, filed May 23, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates, in general, to a fluid supply systems, such as gas supply systems, and more particularly relates to fluid flow adjustment devices of in such supply systems.

Background

[0003] Certain gas-combustion water heating appliances (e.g., water heaters, boilers, pool heaters) require a supply of a gas for combustion, where energy released from the combustion is used to heat water in the appliance. Operation of such appliances also requires use of an appropriate air orifice and an appropriate gas orifice, based the fuel gas being used.

Typically , the air orifice is installed at an inlet of a blower and includes a ball shaped insert defining multiple openings, where each opening has a different size. The openings are formed at four locations along a periphery of the ball shaped insert. Based on a type of gas being supplied, a corresponding opening in the ball shaped insert is set to allow the flow of air therethrough. As such, a volume of air required to be mixed with the gas may be ensured. The gas orifice is embodied as a plate defining a hole dimensioned for a particular type of gas. As such, based on the type of gas, conventional practice involves changing the plate in the gas orifice. Therefore, each time the gas is changed, the plate in the gas orifice needs to be manually replaced. Gas supply lines often includes multiple sealings and fasteners.

Manual replacement of the gas orifice plate each time based on the change in type of the gas may render the process laborious and time consuming.

Brief Summary

[0004] Gas flow adjustment devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the gas flow adjustment device includes a housing defining a first opening configured to receive gas and a second opening aligned with the first opening. The second opening is configured to deliver the gas from the housing. The gas flow adjustment device includes a circular plate rotatably disposed in the housing. The circular plate defines a cutout selectively aligned with each of the first opening and the second opening to define a gas flow path therebetween. The gas flow adjustment device also includes a rotatable member engaged with the circular plate. The rotatable member is configured to: (a) rotate the circular plate about an axis of the circular plate; and (b) adjust a volume of gas flowing across the circular plate and along the gas flow path.

[0005] In an embodiment, the second opening is configured to be in fluid communication w ith an inlet of a blower.

[0006] In an embodiment, the circular plate includes a first set of teeth, and the rotatable member includes a second set of teeth configured to engage with the first set of teeth.

[0007] In an embodiment, the circular plate and the rotatable member together constitute a worm gear arrangement. In an embodiment, the circular plate and the rotatable member are disposed inside the housing.

[0008] In an embodiment, the circular plate includes a plurality of markings along a circumference thereof. Each marking is indicative of a corresponding width of the cutout aligned with the first opening and the second opening.

[0009] In an embodiment, the housing includes a window to allow viewing the markings when the circular plate rotates.

[0010] In an embodiment, the cutout is concentric with respect to the circumference of the circular plate. In an embodiment, a width of the cutout varies from about 0.24 inch to about 0.44 inch.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first end of the cutout is at a predefined distance from the second end of the cutout.

[0012] In an embodiment, one end of the rotatable member is externally accessible via the housing and configured to induce rotation of the rotatable member.

[0013] In an embodiment, gas flow adjustment device further includes a first gasket extending concentrically along an outer edge of the cutout, and a second gasket extending concentrically along an inner edge of the cutout.

[0014] In an embodiment, the cutout of the circular plate is an arcuate cutout varying in width from a first end thereof to a second end thereof.

[0015] In an embodiment, the cutout of the circular plate includes an array of apertures configured to selectively align with each of the first opening and the second opening to define a gas flow path. Each aperture of the array of apertures has a different cross-sectional area selected to define a selected volume of gas flow. [0016] In other embodiments, a gas supply system for an appliance is disclosed. The system includes a blower and a gas flow adjustment device in fluid communication with an inlet of the blower. The gas flow adjustment device includes a housing defining a first opening to receive gas and a second opening aligned with the first opening. The second opening delivers the gas to the inlet of the blower. The gas flow adjustment device further includes a circular plate rotatably disposed in the housing. The circular plate defines a cutout configured to selectively align with each of the first opening and the second opening to define a gas flow path therebetween. A cross-sectional area of the gas flow path varies based on the position of the cutout relative to the first opening and the second opening. The gas flow adjustment device also includes a rotatable member engaged with the circular plate. The rotatable member: (a) rotates the circular plate about an axis of the circular plate; and (b) adjusts a volume of gas flowing across the circular plate and along the gas flow path, based on the cross-sectional area of the gas flow path.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cutout is an arcuate cutout having a width that increases from the first end thereof to the second end thereof.

[0018] In an embodiment, the gas flow adjustment device is configured to induce rotation to the rotatable member based on a type of gas supplied to the gas flow adjustment device.

[0019] In an embodiment, the cutout includes an array of apertures configured to selectively align with each of the first opening and the second opening.

[0020] Methods of adjusting the rate of flow of a gas to an appliance are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes rotating a rotatable member about an axis thereof based on a type of gas being supplied to the appliance. The method further includes allowing rotation of a circular plate about an axis of the circular plate based on the rotation of the rotatable member. The circular plate is engaged with the rotatable member. The method also includes selectively aligning a cutout defined in the circular plate with a first opening and a second opening defined in a housing, based on the rotation of the rotatable member. A width of the cutout varies from a first end thereof to a second end thereof. The circular plate and the rotatable member are disposed within the housing.

[0021] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific nonlimiting embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may or may not be present in various embodiments. Elements and/or components are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a gas supply system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a gas flow adjustment device for a gas supply system, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the gas flow adjustment device of FIG. 2A. [0026] FIG. 2C is a front view of an adjustment mechanism of the gas flow adjustment device of FIG. 2B.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a front view of a circular plate for an adjustment mechanism of a gas flow adjustment device, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [0028] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of adjusting rate of flow of a gas to an appliance, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0029] A gas flow adjustment device for use with gas-based appliances is provided. The gas flow adjustment device can be configured to regulate the flow of gas from a source to the gas appliance based on a number of factors. The gas flow adjustment devices described herein also could be used, or adapted, to control flow volume other fluids, including air and liquids, for example in other fluid handling appliances.

[0030] Although various aspects of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other aspects of the disclosed technology are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components expressly set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology can be implemented and practiced or carried out in various ways. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is described in the context of being suitable for use with a gas appliance, such as a water heater. The present disclosure, however, is not so limited, and can be applicable to any gas or natural gas based appliance. Furthermore, although described in the context of gas, the disclosed technology can be configured to modulate the flow of fluids other than gas. Accordingly, when the present disclosure is described regarding gas flow to an appliance, it will be understood that other implementation can take the place of those referred to.

[0031] It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named.

[0032] Also, in describing the disclosed technology, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0033] Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, the disclosed technology can include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Further, ranges described as being between a first value and a second value are inclusive of the first and second values. Likewise, ranges descnbed as being from a first value and to a second value are inclusive of the first and second values.

[0034] It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Moreover, although the term “step” can be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly required. Further, the disclosed technology does not necessarily require all steps included in the methods and processes described herein. That is, the disclosed technology includes methods that omit one or more steps expressly discussed with respect to the methods described herein.

[0035] Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such. [0036] The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosed technology are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed technology. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, similar components that are developed after development of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0037] Referring now FIG. 1, an exemplary gas supply system 100 is shown. The system 100 includes a blower 102 having an inlet 104 and an outlet 106. An air orifice 108 and an air filter 110 are attached a first arm 112 of the inlet 104. The air orifice 108 includes a worm-gear arrangement to allow micro adjustments of supply of air to the inlet 104 of the blower 102. A gas flow adjustment device 114 is in fluid communication with a second arm 116 of the inlet 104. The outlet 106 of the blower 102 is configured to fluidly couple with an appliance (not shown), such as a water heater or boiler. The blower 102 is configured to suction air from the atmosphere and direct a mixture of air and gas to, for example, a burner of the appliance. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes a proportionator valve (not shown) operably coupled to the mlet 104 of the blower 102 to proportion the gas and the air being supplied to the appliance.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, the gas flow adjustment device 114 is illustrated in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 2A, the gas flow adjustment device 114 includes a rectangular housing 202 defining a first opening 204 configured to receive gas and a second opening 206 at least partially aligned with the first opening 204. The second opening 206 is configured to deliver gas from the housing 202. Although shown and described as a rectangular housing, it would be understood that the housing may be of any suitable shape, and may have, for example, a circular profile (z.e., a cylindrical housing), oval profile (i.e., an ovoid housing), or polygonal profile (i.e., a prismatic housing).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2B, the gas flow adjustment device 114 also includes a circular plate 208 rotatably disposed in the housing 202. Although shown and described as a circular plate, it would be understood that plate may be polygonal, oval, or of an irregular shape. The circular plate 208 includes markings along a circumference thereof, the markings 210 being visible through a window 212 defined in the housing when the circular plate 208 rotates. In embodiments, a diameter of the circular plate 208 is greater than a height “H” of the housing 202, such that a portion of the circular plate 208 extends beyond the housing 202, as shown in FIG. 2A. In some embodiments, the window 212 is formed as a cutout at a top portion of the housing 202. In other embodiments, the window 212 may be an individual structure configured to detachably couple to the housing 202. For example, the window 212 may be configured to cover the top portion of the housing 202. The gas flow adjustment device 114 also includes a rotatable member 214 disposed in the housing 202 and configured to engage with the circular plate 208. In embodiments, the rotatable member 214 is disposed beneath the circular plate 208. In some embodiments, the circular plate 208 and the rotatable member 214 may be concealed inside the housing 202.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 2C an adjustment mechanism 250 of the gas flow adjustment device 114 is shown in greater detail. The circular plate 208 and the rotatable member 214 together constitute the adjustment mechanism 250. The circular plate 208 includes a first set of teeth 252, and the rotatable member 214 includes a second set of teeth 254 configured to engage with the first set of teeth 252, i.e., gears. In embodiments, the circular plate 208 and the rotatable member 214 together constitute a worm gear arrangement, where rotation of the rotatable member 214 about an axis “Al” causes the circular plate 208 to rotate about an axis “A2” (shown in FIG. 2B).

[0041] The circular plate 208 defines a central opening 256 configured to allow the circular plate 208 to be rotatably disposed within the housing 202. For example, a shaft (not shown) may be inserted through the central opening 256 and coupled to inner surfaces of the housing 202, thereby permitting rotation of the circular plate 207 about axis "A2". The circular plate 208 also defines an arcuate cutout 258 that is concentric with at least a portion of the circumference thereof. In embodiments, the width of the cutout 258 varies from the first end 260 thereof to the second end 262 thereof. In some embodiments, the width of the cutout 258 varies from about 0. 1 to about 1 inch, such as from about 0.25 inch to about 0.5 inch, or about 0.24 inch to about 0.44 inch.

[0042] In embodiments, the first end 260 of the cutout 258 is located at a predefined distance from the second end 262 of the cutout 258. The predefined distance is measured along an arc extending between the ends of the cutout 258, where the arc is concentric with the circumference of the circular plate 208. The cutout 258 is selectively aligned with each of the first opening 204 and the second opening 206 of the housing 202 to define a gas flow path “G” (shown in FIG. 2B), such that the second opening 206 is in fluid communication with the inlet 104 of the blower 102.

[0043] During rotation of the circular plate 208, the width of the cutout 258 that is aligned with the first opening 204 and the second opening 206 of the housing 202 varies. As a result of this rotation, the cross-sectional area of the gas flow path “G” varies based on the position of the cutout 258 relative to the first opening 204 and the second opening 206. As such, volume of gas flowing via the gas flow path “G” also varies. The markings 210 provided along the circumference of the circular plate 208 indicate the width of the cutout 258 aligned with the first opening 204 and the second opening 206.

[0044] In embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, one end 216 of the rotatable member 214 extends and is accessible through the housing 202. In some embodiments, the end 216 of the rotatable member 214 is configured to induce rotation to the circular plate 208. For example, the end 216 of the rotatable member 214 may be an Allen key port accessible with an Allen key. Angular movement of the Allen key induces rotation to the rotatable member 214, thereby rotating the circular plate 208 about the axis “A2”.

With such rotation, and simultaneously viewing of the markings 210 via the window 212, the circular plate 208 may be stopped at a desired width of the cutout 258 that is being aligned with the first opening 204 and the second opening 206 of the housing 202. The desire width of the cutout 258 is determined based on demand, and is effective to regulate the volume of the gas flowing through the gas flow path “G”. In some embodiments, the end 216 of the rotatable member 214 is flush with an outer surface of the housing 202. In other embodiments, the end 216 of the rotatable member 214 is located inside and accessible through the housing 202.

[0045] In some embodiments, the rotation of the rotatable member 214 is controlled by a control module (not shown). For example, based on the demand, the control module supplies a corresponding magnitude of electrical signal to a motor that is coupled to the rotatable member 214. Based on the electrical signal, the motor rotates the rotatable member 214 to adjust a volume of gas flowing across the circular plate 208 and along the gas flow path “G”, based on the width of the cutout 258 aligned with the first opening 204 and second opening 206 of the housing. While exemplary modes of rotation are disclosed herein, those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other modes of rotation would be suitable for rotating the rotatable member 214.

[0046] In embodiments, the rotation of the rotatable member 214 and the circular plate 208 is based on type of the gas being supplied through the gas flow adjustment device 114. For example, a characteristic of the gas, such as flame point and heat released on burning one unit of gas, may be considered when adjusting the width of the cutout 258 with the first opening 204 and the second opening 206.

[0047] In some embodiments, the gas flow adjustment device 114 further includes a first gasket 264 extending concentrically along an outer edge of the cutout 258, and a second gasket 266 extending concentrically along an inner edge of the cutout 258 on both sides of the circular plate 208, as shown in FIG. 2B. Each of the first gasket 264 and the second gasket 266 extends between a surface of the circular plate 208 and the inner surface of the housing 202 to prevent leakage of the gas from the gas flow path “G” within the housing 202. [0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary circular plate for an adjustment mechanism 250 of the gas flow adjustment device 114 is shown. The circular plate 300 includes an array of apertures 304, where diameters of the apertures vary from the first end of the array of apertures 304 to the second end of the array of apertures 304. In some embodiments, each aperture 304 is located equidistant from each adjacent aperture 304. Markings 306 provided along the circumference of the circular plate 300 indicate a size of the aperture 304 that is being aligned with each of the first opening 204 and the second opening 206 of the housing 202 when the circular plate 300 rotates in the housing 202.

[0049] In some embodiments, each aperture 304 and the corresponding markings 306 correspond with a particular gas, such as methane or natural gas. Each aperture 304 therefore has a different cross-sectional area selected to produce a desired volume of gas flow based on the characteristics of the corresponding gas. Accordingly, based on the gas being supplied through the housing 202, the circular plate 300 may be rotated until the corresponding aperture 304 is aligned with the first opening 204 and the second opening 206 of the housing 202 to form the gas flow path “G”.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 4, an example of a method 400 of adjusting the rate of gas flow to an appliance using the gas flow adjustment device disclosed herein is shown. The method 400 includes at least three steps.

[0051] The method 400 first includes rotating a rotatable member about and axis (402) based on a type of gas that is being supplied to an appliance.

[0052] Next, the method 400 includes allowing rotation of the circular plate 208 about the axis “A2” of the circular plate 208 (404) based on the rotation of the rotatable member 214, where the circular plate 208 is engaged with the rotatable member 214.

[0053] The method 400 then includes selectively aligning the cutout 258 (406) defined in the circular plate 208 with the first opening 204 and the second opening 206 defined in the housing 202, based on the rotation of the rotatable member 214. The width of the cutout 258 varies from the first end 260 thereof to the second end 262 thereof. The circular plate 208 and the rotatable member 214 are concealed within the housing 202.

[0054] Embodiments of the present disclosure include the following:

[0055] Embodiment 1. A gas flow adjustment device comprising: a housing defining a first opening configured to receive gas and a second opening aligned with the first opening, the second opening configured to deliver the gas from the housing; a circular plate rotatably disposed in the housing, the circular plate defining a cutout selectively aligned with each of the first opening and the second opening to define a gas flow path therebetween; and a rotatable member engaged with the circular plate, the rotatable member configured to: (a) rotate the circular plate about an axis of the circular plate; and (b) adjust a volume of gas flowing across the circular plate and along the gas flow path.

[0056] Embodiment 2. The gas flow adjustment device of Embodiment 1, wherein the second opening is configured to be in fluid communication with an inlet of a blower.

[0057] Embodiment 3. The gas flow adjustment device of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the circular plate comprises a first set of teeth and the rotatable member comprises a second set of teeth configured to engage with the first set of teeth.

[0058] Embodiment 4. The gas flow adjustment device of Embodiment 3, wherein the circular plate and the rotatable member together constitute a worm gear arrangement.

[0059] Embodiment 5. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the circular plate comprises a plurality of markings along a circumference thereof, wherein each marking is indicative of a corresponding width of the cutout aligned with the first opening and the second opening.

[0060] Embodiment 6. The gas flow adjustment device of Embodiment 5, wherein the housing comprises a window configured to allow viewing the markings when the circular plate rotates.

[0061] Embodiment 7. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to

6, wherein the cutout is concentric with respect to the circumference of the circular plate.

[0062] Embodiment 8. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to

7, wherein the first end of the cutout is at a predefined distance from the second end of the cutout.

[0063] Embodiment 9. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to

8, wherein one end of the rotatable member is externally accessible via the housing.

[0064] Embodiment 10. The gas flow adjustment device of Embodiment 9, wherein the end of the rotatable member is configured to induce rotation of the rotatable member.

[0065] Embodiment 11. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to

10, wherein a width of the cutout varies from about 0.24 inch to about 0.44 inch.

[0066] Embodiment 12. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to

11, wherein the circular plate and the rotatable member are disposed inside the housing. [0067] Embodiment 13. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to

12, further comprising: a first gasket extending concentrically along an outer edge of the cutout; and a second gasket extending concentrically along an inner edge of the cutout.

[0068] Embodiment 14. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to

13, wherein the cutout of the circular plate is an arcuate cutout varying in width from a first end thereof to a second end thereof.

[0069] Embodiment 15. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to

14, wherein the cutout of the circular plate comprises an array of apertures configured to selectively align with each of the first opening and the second opening to define the gas flow path, and wherein each aperture of the array of apertures has a different cross-sectional area selected to define a selected volume of gas flow.

[0070] Embodiment 16. A gas supply system for an appliance, the gas supply system comprising: a blower; and the gas flow adjustment device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 15 in fluid communication with an inlet of the blower.

[0071] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

Claims That which is claimed is:

1. A gas flow adjustment device comprising: a housing defining a first opening configured to receive gas and a second opening aligned with the first opening, the second opening configured to deliver the gas from the housing; a circular plate rotatably disposed in the housing, the circular plate defining a cutout selectively aligned with each of the first opening and the second opening to define a gas flow path therebetween; and a rotatable member engaged with the circular plate, the rotatable member configured to: (a) rotate the circular plate about an axis of the circular plate; and (b) adjust a volume of gas flowing across the circular plate and along the gas flow path.

2. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the second opening is configured to be in fluid communication with an inlet of a blower.

3. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the circular plate comprises a first set of teeth and the rotatable member comprises a second set of teeth configured to engage with the first set of teeth.

4. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 3, wherein the circular plate and the rotatable member together constitute a worm gear arrangement.

5. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the circular plate comprises a plurality of markings along a circumference thereof, wherein each marking is indicative of a corresponding width of the cutout aligned with the first opening and the second opening.

6. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 5, wherein the housing comprises a window configured to allow viewing the markings when the circular plate rotates.

7. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the cutout is concentric with respect to the circumference of the circular plate. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the first end of the cutout is at a predefined distance from the second end of the cutout. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1, wherein one end of the rotatable member is externally accessible via the housing. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 9, wherein the end of the rotatable member is configured to induce rotation of the rotatable member. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1, wherein a width of the cutout varies from about 0.24 inch (6 mm) to about 0.44 inch (11 mm). The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the circular plate and the rotatable member are disposed inside the housing. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1 further comprising: a first gasket extending concentrically along an outer edge of the cutout; and a second gasket extending concentrically along an inner edge of the cutout. The gas flow adjustment device of claim 1, wherein the cutout of the circular plate is an arcuate cutout varying in width from a first end thereof to a second end thereof. The gas flow adjustment device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cutout of the circular plate comprises an array of apertures configured to selectively align with each of the first opening and the second opening to define the gas flow path, and wherein each aperture of the array of apertures has a different cross-sectional area selected to define a selected volume of gas flow. A gas supply system for an appliance, the gas supply system comprising: a blower; and a gas flow adjustment device in fluid communication with an inlet of the blower, the gas flow adjustment device comprising: a housing defining a first opening configured to receive gas and a second opening aligned with the first opening, the second opening configured to deliver the gas to the inlet of the blower; a circular plate rotatably disposed in the housing, the circular plate defining a cutout configured to selectively align with each of the first opening and the second opening to define a gas flow path therebetween, wherein a cross-sectional area of the gas flow path varies based on the position of the cutout relative to the first opening and the second opening; and a rotatable member engaged with the circular plate, the rotatable member configured to: (a) rotate the circular plate about an axis of the circular plate; and (b) adjust a volume of gas flowing across the circular plate and along the gas flow path, based on the cross-sectional area of the gas flow path. The gas supply system of claim 16, wherein the cutout is an arcuate cutout having a width that increases from the first end thereof to the second end thereof. The gas supply system of claim 16, wherein the gas flow adjustment device is configured to induce rotation to the rotatable member based on a type of gas supplied to the gas flow adjustment device. The gas supply system of claim 16, wherein the cutout comprises an array of apertures configured to selectively align with each of the first opening and the second opening. A method of adjusting rate of flow of a gas to an appliance, the method comprising: rotating a rotatable member about an axis thereof based on a type of gas being supplied to the appliance; rotating a circular plate about an axis of the circular plate, via the rotating of the rotatable member, which is operably engaged with the circular plate; and selectively aligning a cutout defined in the circular plate with a first opening and a second opening defined in a housing, based on the rotation of the rotatable member, wherein a width of the cutout varies from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, and wherein the circular plate and the rotatable member are disposed within the housing.