US3747340A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flame sensing system for a turbine engine
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1971-08-12
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Granted: 1973-07-24
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Expires: 1991-08-12
Abstract
Abstract The temperature difference between the combustion products leaving a combustion chamber and the air entering the combustion chamber is compared with a reference value that is based on the mass ratio of the fuel and air supplied to the combustion chamber. A positive output signal indicates the presence of a flame while a negative output signal indicates a flameout. The inexpensive system operates effectively throughout all phases of engine operation.
Inventors
- 👤 R Samson
- 👤 T Sebestyeh
- 👤 J Fenton
- 👤 A Arbor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 15:52
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02C; F02C7/00; F02C7/26; F02C7/262
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
In a gas turbine engine having a combustion chamber for combusting a fuel-air mixture, air supply means for supplying air to the combustion chamber and fuel supply means for supplying fuel to the combustion chamber, a system for sensing a flameout comprising first temperature sensing means for producing a first temperature signal representing the temperature of the combustion products leaving the combustion chamber, second temperature sensing means for producing a second temperature signal representing the temperature of the air being supplied to the combustion chamber, fuel flow rate sensing means coupled to said fuel supply means for producing a fuel signal, and output means coupled to both temperature sensing means and said fuel flow sensing means for producing an output signal indicating the presence or absence of a flame in the combustion chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
In a gas turbine engine having a combustion chamber for combusting a fuel-air mixture, air supply means for supplying air to the combustion chamber and fuel supply means for supplying fuel to the combustion chamber, a system for sensing a flameout comprising first temperature sensing means for producing a first temperature signal representing the temperature of the combustion products leaving the combustion chamber, second temperature sensing means for producing a second temperature signal representing the temperature of the air being supplied to the combustion chamber, fuel flow rate sensing means coupled to said fuel supply means for producing a fuel signal, and output means coupled to both temperature sensing means and said fuel flow sensing means for producing an output signal indicating the presence or absence of a flame in the combustion chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
89 words
The engine of claim 1 comprising air flow sensing means for producing an air signal representing the rate at which air is being supplied to the combustion chamber, divider means for dividing said fuel signal by said air signal to produce a signal representing the fuel-air ratio, and multiplier means for multiplying the signal representing the fuel-air ratio by a constant representing the realizable heat content of the fuel, said output means subtracting the second temperature signal and the output of said multiplier means from said first temperature signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The engine of claim 2 in which the air flow sensing means comprises a speed sensing means for sensing the rotational speed of the gas generator section of the engine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The engine of claim 3 in which the first temperature sensing means comprises a thermocouple and a lead compensating means connected to said thermocouple, said lead compensating means adjusting the output of said thermocouple so said output represents the actual temperature of the combustion products.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The engine of claim 4 in which the lead compensating means adjusts the output of the thermocouple as a function of gas generator speed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The engine of claim 5 comprising a bias circuit for compensating one of the signals applied to the output means for dynamic operating characteristics.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The engine of claim 1 in which the first temperature sensing means comprises a thermocouple and a lead compensating means connected to said thermocouple, said lead compensating means adjusting the output of said thermocouple so said output represents the actual temperature of the combustion products.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The engine of claim 7 in which the lead compensating means adjusts the output of the thermocouple as a function of gas generator speed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The engine of claim 1 comprising a bias circuit for compensating one of the signals applied to the output means for dynamic operating characteristics.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-23 | 1977-01-22 | 1977-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-23 | 1981-01-22 | 1981-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-23 | 1985-01-22 | 1985-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |