초록 ▼

A microprocessor-controlled gas appliance basically comprising three components: (1) a computer processor with a sensor interface, (2) a valve assembly, and (3) a human interface. The sensor interface is capable of passing the input from a series of sensors through the processor for subsequent use i

A microprocessor-controlled gas appliance basically comprising three components: (1) a computer processor with a sensor interface, (2) a valve assembly, and (3) a human interface. The sensor interface is capable of passing the input from a series of sensors through the processor for subsequent use in controlling the operation of a burner valve in the valve assembly. Appropriate sensors are provided for connection to the sensor interface to measure, among other things, flame temperature, gas flow, carbon monoxide, combustibles, occupancy by an individual in the presence of the gas appliance, and gas composition. The valve controls the flow of natural gas through a line from a source of gas to a burner found in the appliance. The valve is controlled through a valve operator that responds to signals obtained from the computer processor via valve interface electronics. The valve, valve operator and valve interface electronics together form the valve assembly which the second basic component of the microprocessor-based system. The third component of the system provides a way for the human user to interact with the gas appliance control system. In this regard, there is provided a visual display and a keypad input device.

대표청구항 ▼

A gas appliance comprising: a gas burner for burning gas and producing a flame; valve means having an input port adapted to be connected to a source of combustible gas, and an output port, said valve means including a control means for controlling flow of said gas from the input port to the output p

A gas appliance comprising: a gas burner for burning gas and producing a flame; valve means having an input port adapted to be connected to a source of combustible gas, and an output port, said valve means including a control means for controlling flow of said gas from the input port to the output port of said valve means; means for conveying gas from said output port to said gas burner; sensor means in close proximity to said gas burner for sensing a controllable characteristic of said flame; and computer control means responsive to said sensed controllable characteristic for providing a control signal, said control means responding to said control signal by changing the flow of gas through said valve means.