FLAME SENSING
First Claim
1. A flame sensor for detecting the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits electromagnetic radiation, the flame sensor comprising:
- a body disposed proximate to the combustion system;
a photodetector supported in the body, the photodetector configured to generate an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of electromagnetic radiation;
a window supported in the body and located between the combustion system and the photodetector; and
a source supported in the body, the source emitting electromagnetic radiation toward the window, wherein at least some of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source reflects back toward the photodetector when contamination is present on the window.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flame sensor detects the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits light. The flame sensor includes a body connectable with the combustion system. A photodetector is supported in the body. The photodetector responds to light emitted by the flame and generates an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of the light. A window is supported in the body and located between the combustion system and photodetector. The window is susceptible to contamination from the combustion system and the contamination may decrease sensitivity of the photodetector. A light source is supported in the body. The light source emits light so that a predetermined amount of the light emitted by the light source reflects into the photodetector when contamination is present on the window and the photodetector generates a signal indicative of contamination on the window.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A flame sensor for detecting the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits electromagnetic radiation, the flame sensor comprising:
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a body disposed proximate to the combustion system; a photodetector supported in the body, the photodetector configured to generate an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of electromagnetic radiation; a window supported in the body and located between the combustion system and the photodetector; and a source supported in the body, the source emitting electromagnetic radiation toward the window, wherein at least some of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source reflects back toward the photodetector when contamination is present on the window. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system comprising:
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a combustion source in which a flame may be generated and in which the flame emits electromagnetic radiation; a sensor for detecting the presence of the flame in the combustion source, the flame sensor comprising; a body disposed proximate to the combustion system; a photodetector supported in the body, the photodetector configured to generate an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of electromagnetic radiation; a window supported in the body and located between the combustion system and the photodetector; and a source supported in the body, the source emitting electromagnetic radiation toward the window, wherein at least some of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source reflects back toward the photodetector when contamination is present on the window; and a modulator to modulate the source by varying the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source to a predetermined pattern so the electromagnetic radiation sensed by the photodetector can be distinguished between the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source and the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the flame. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of detecting contamination on a flame sensor window, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a flame sensor for detecting the presence of a flame in a combustion system in which the flame emits electromagnetic radiation, the flame sensor including a body disposed proximate to the combustion system; supporting a photodetector in the body, the photodetector detecting the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the flame, the photodetector configured to generate an electrical signal proportional to an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation; supporting a window in the body and locating the window between the combustion system and the photodetector; supporting a source in the body, the source emitting electromagnetic radiation toward the window; passing a first predetermined amount of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source through the window when there is no contamination on the window; reflecting a second predetermined amount of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source in a direction towards the photodetector when there is contamination on the window; and detecting with the photodetector the second predetermined amount of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source and communicating a signal indicative of contamination on the window. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification