Methods and apparatuses for automatic process control for firing and biasing heated electrode refrigerant sensors

A manufacturing station for manufacturing a heated-electrode refrigerant sensor, comprising:

• mounting means for supporting an unfired sensor;
• means for electrically heating the sensor by applying current thereto while the sensor remains supported by the mounting means;
• means for adjustably controlling the amount of power applied to the sensor to gradually increase the temperature of the sensor over a period of time while the sensor remains supported by the mounting means;
• means for firing the sensor once the sensor reaches a suitable temperature while the sensor remains supported by the mounting means;
• and
• means for biasing the sensor while the temperature of the sensor is elevated and while the sensor remains supported by the mounting means.

A manufacturing station for manufacturing a heated-electrode refrigerant sensor, comprising:

• a socket for supporting an unfired sensor;
• a current source for electrically heating the sensor by applying current thereto while the sensor remains supported by the socket;
• a temperature controller for adjustably controlling the amount of power applied to the sensor to gradually increase the temperature of the sensor over a period of time while the sensor remains supported by the socket, whereby upon reaching a suitable temperature, the sensor is fired;
• and
• a voltage source for biasing the sensor while the temperature of the sensor is elevated and while the sensor remains supported by the socket.

A method of manufacturing a heated-electrode refrigerant sensor for use in a refrigerant detector, comprising the steps of:

• generating a bias current in the sensor;
• gradually raising the temperature of the sensor at a first rate of increase;
• and
• after substantially all moisture has been removed from the sensor, gradually raising the temperature of the sensor at a second rate of increase.

A manufacturing station for manufacturing a heated-electrode refrigerant sensor for use in a refrigerant detector, comprising:

• means for generating a bias current in the sensor;
• means for gradually raising the temperature of the sensor alternatively at a first rate of increase or a second rate of increase;
• and
• means for causing the temperature raising means to shift from gradually raising the temperature of the sensor at the first rate of increase to the second rate of increase after substantially all moisture has been removed from the sensor.

A manufacturing station for manufacturing a heated-electrode refrigerant sensor for use in a refrigerant detector, comprising:

• a current source and a voltage source for generating a bias current in the sensor;
• a temperature controller for gradually raising the temperature of the sensor alternatively at a first rate of increase or a second rate of increase;
• and
• a triggering device for causing the temperature controller to shift from gradually raising the temperature of the sensor at the first rate of increase to the second rate of increase after substantially all moisture has been removed from the sensor.