Flame sensor module
AssigneeEclipse, Inc.
InventorGary G. Wild
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A standalone modular flame sensor containing a multi-function power supply having outputs for both a flame rod and an ultraviolet transducer. The module also contains interfaces for the ultraviolet transducer and for the flame rod transducer. The interfaces are brought together at a summing junction arranged so that the module will work with either a flame rod, an ultraviolet transducer, or both such transducers. Output circuitry provides not only a flame-on/flame-off indication (both visible via an LED and a switch contact closure), but also provides a continuously variable signal indicating the quality of the sensed flame. The module can be used standalone with either transducer type or incorporated in a more complex control system.
Claims12
A standalone modular flame sensor adapted for use with an ultraviolet transducer, a flame rod transducer, or both said transducers, and comprising, in combination:
- (a) a single plug-in modular housing containing the following elements (b)-(g),
- (b) a multi-function power supply having a flame rod output for driving a flame rod transducer when present and an ultraviolet output for driving an ultraviolet transducer when present;
- (c) flame rod and ultraviolet interface means for connection to the flame rod transducer and ultraviolet transducer respectively when present, the interface means having a summing junction output for producing an output signal having a level dependent upon the quality of the flame sensed by the respective transducers when present;
- (d) calibrating means for adjusting the output signal level so that the flame rod transducer when present and the ultraviolet transducer when present produce an output signal of about the same level for the same quality of flame;
- (e) flame failure comparator means responsive to said output signal for producing a "flame-on" signal when either transducer is present and exposed to a flame, and a "flame-fail" signal when neither transducer is exposed to a flame;
- (f) flame quality circuitry responsive to said output signal for producing a flame quality signal having a continuously variable level indicative of the quality of the flame sensed by either of said transducers;
- and
- (g) a test point on the housing connected to the flame quality circuitry for rendering the flame quality signal accessible at the test point for measurement.
A standalone modular flame sensor adapted for use with an ultraviolet transducer, a flame rod transducer, or both said transducers, and comprising, in combination:
- a multi-function power supply having a flame rod output for driving a flame rod transducer when present, and an ultraviolet output for driving an ultraviolet transducer when present;
- flame rod and ultraviolet interface means for connection to the flame rod transducer and ultraviolet transducer, respectively when present, for producing an output signal having a level dependent upon the quality of the flame sensed by the associated transducers when present;
- flame failure comparator means responsive to said output signal for producing a "flame-on" signal when either transducer is present and exposed to a flame, and a "flame-fail" signal when neither transducer is exposed to a flame;
- flame quality circuitry responsive to said output signal for producing a flame quality signal having a continuously variable level indicative of the quality of the flame sensed by either of said transducers;
- and
- wherein the interface means includes an ultraviolet transducer interface and a flame rod transducer interface, the respective interfaces being connected at a summing junction which carries said output signal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.