Edwards Systems Technology, Incorporated, Inc.

Michael B Schell

Andrian I Kouznetsov

Rod J Valenta

A method of measuring a rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration in recirculated air of an engine, is disclosed. The method includes installing a conductive sample tube into an engine's pre-combustion/air-mixing chamber, and installing a carbon dioxide sensor, remote from the chamber, to measure relative concentrations of carbon dioxide. The method may also be used to measure nitrogen oxide exhaust gas levels.

Using carbon dioxide to control automobile functions

A device for sensing a dangerous condition includes a sensor that provides a signal when a dangerous condition is sensed by the sensor. A power source is provided which is in communication with the sensor. The power source supplies the sensor with power. A trigger is provided which is in communication with the sensor. The trigger is activated by the signal to prevent the dangerous condition from producing a harmful effect. In one embodiment of the invention the power source is a thermoelectric power supply and the sensor is a self calibrating sensor.

Explosion protection sensor for gas appliances

Carbon dioxide sensor for controlling exhaust gas recirculation in diesel engines

An automatic calibration mode for a carbon dioxide sensor is based on using a zero gas. The sensor is designed to recognize a distinctive rate of change pattern of carbon dioxide concentrations that would be indicative of a zero calibration routine. This approach can be used for other infrared sensors.

Automatic calibration mode for carbon dioxide sensor

A method for determining the presence of an occupant in an enclosure space, particularly a trunk compartment, based on a rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration in the space/compartment, is disclosed. The primary sources taken into consideration are customary and non-customary leakages of carbon dioxide into the space to be measured. A warning/control logic is preferably configured to identify a rate of change of carbon dioxide that is likely when one or more humans occupy the space/compartment.

Carbon dioxide rate of change for vehicle trunk safety

A method for indicating a condition of oxygen depletion in a space, is disclosed. The method of measuring oxygen depletion is employed using the rate of change of carbon dioxide as a surrogate indicator of the amount of oxygen being depleted or displaced in the air. Displacement may be measured when the rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration falls within a rate of change range, or rises above or falls below a rate of change threshold level that indicates the displacement of oxygen.

Using carbon dioxide to indicate oxygen depletion

A method for detecting improper venting of a combustion appliance within an interior space relies upon a carbon dioxide detector to determine whether a preselected criterion indicative of improper venting is exceeded. The preselected criterion can be a threshold concentration of carbon dioxide or a threshold level of rate of rise of carbon dioxide concentration that is exceeded at a specified time or over a specified interval of time. The method can be used to detect leaks in a residential furnace, at very low levels, during start up of the furnace by measuring the preselected criterion in a heated air duct.

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Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America

Michael B Schell