Gas burner monitor and diagnostic apparatus
First Claim
1. A monitor and diagnostic apparatus for a gas burner, with said gas burner having a thermostat, a main gas valve, a vent stack and measurable performance indicators and said gas burner also having an operational history comprising a sequence of on/off cycles and performance events within each on/off cycle, said apparatus comprising:
- a data recording unit comprising;
a sensor having a signal indicating one of said performance events by measuring at least one of said performance indicators;
a central processor which processes said signal from said sensor, said central processor having an output of at least one signal corresponding to the performance event of said gas burner over a pre-selected time interval;
a memory which records the output of said central processor over the pre-selected time interval in the sequential order and timing corresponding to the performance events and sequence having occurred in said gas burner;
wherein, said pre-selected time interval extends over a plurality of on/off cycles such that said recorded output from said central processor can be used to diagnose the operational history of said gas burner.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A gas burner operation monitoring apparatus for enabling convenient diagnosis of gas burner and control problems. The invention is a temporarily attached device that collects and stores information concerning the key functions indicative of a gas burner'"'"'s operation. If a fault occurs, the apparatus generates a signal to indicate to a downstream microprocessor, if such is connected, that a problem has occurred. This eliminates the need for the technician to randomly replace parts until the problem is located. The system monitors the status of the thermostat or aquastat; the presence and the level of voltage being sent to the main gas valve; the pressure of gas at the inlet and outlet of the main gas valve and either the temperature on the outside of the vent stack pipe or the presence and quality of flame at the main gas burner. The device also provides a signal in the event of a fault that can be connected to a downstream microprocessor that, in turn, can activate various warning devices.
20 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A monitor and diagnostic apparatus for a gas burner, with said gas burner having a thermostat, a main gas valve, a vent stack and measurable performance indicators and said gas burner also having an operational history comprising a sequence of on/off cycles and performance events within each on/off cycle, said apparatus comprising:
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a data recording unit comprising; a sensor having a signal indicating one of said performance events by measuring at least one of said performance indicators; a central processor which processes said signal from said sensor, said central processor having an output of at least one signal corresponding to the performance event of said gas burner over a pre-selected time interval; a memory which records the output of said central processor over the pre-selected time interval in the sequential order and timing corresponding to the performance events and sequence having occurred in said gas burner; wherein, said pre-selected time interval extends over a plurality of on/off cycles such that said recorded output from said central processor can be used to diagnose the operational history of said gas burner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification