Temperature and low water monitoring for boiler systems
AssigneeC. Cowles & Company
InventorChristopher L. Murray
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dual functionality temperature control measurement and low water cutoff measurement system is taught within a single tapping to a boiler. This dual functionality combines a low water cutoff and temperature sensor into one control utilizing a sensing element suitable for use in a single existing tapping for a boiler. Independent of low water functionality, the temperature sensor is also capable of monitoring temperature as a replacement probe in an existing temperature sensor-only well. A conductive member provides a compression fit inside the probe well for thermistors, while simultaneously providing conduction with the well interior for a low water cutoff signal in a two-conductor well.
Claims7
A method for replacing an existing temperature sensor in a single tapping well within a boiler with a dual functioning low water cutoff sensor and temperature sensor probe, said method comprising:
- removing said existing temperature sensor from said single tapping well;
- slidably inserting said dual functioning low water cutoff sensor and temperature sensor probe within said well, said dual functioning probe comprising:
- a temperature sensor within a housing inserted into a well within a boiler tapping;
- a low water cutoff sensor in electrical communication with said well interior;
- a resilient flexible connector forming the electrical communication from said low water cutoff sensor to said well interior, such that said low water cutoff sensor senses a voltage potential of said well;
- electrically connecting said dual functioning probe to a microcontroller;
- and
- operating said dual functioning probe using said microcontroller having software for analyzing said temperature sensor and said low water cutoff sensor signals.
A removable probe insertable within a well in a boiler tapping and having a dual measurement function, comprising:
- a temperature sensor;
- and
- a low water cutoff sensor in electrical communication with said well interior and formed by a resilient flexing connection, wherein said low water cutoff sensor includes a conductive member comprising a solidly-shaped conductive material, said solidly-shaped conductive material in electrical communication with said well interior without soldering or welding said conductive member to the interior of said well.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.