Keith C Cathey

Location:

United States

US Patent:

5971746, Oct 26, 1999

Filed:

Sep 2, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/145682

Inventors:

William A. Givens - Genoa AK
Geoffrey R. Ford - Redfield AK
Davonna L. Ridley - Lockesburg AK
Keith C. Cathey - Texarkana TX

Assignee:

Arkla - Little Rock AR

International Classification:

F23N 500

US Classification:

431 12

Abstract:

A dual pressure gas supply controller system is disclosed which provides apparatus and methods for supplying gas from a gas supply source to one or more gas-burning apparatus requiring two different gas pressure levels. According to the invention, a first gas pressure is supplied the gas-burning apparatus during a first time period, while a second lower gas pressure is supplied to the gas-burning apparatus during a second time period for the purpose of conserving gas. This is accomplished through the use of first and second gas pressure regulators coupled in parallel between the gas supply source and the gas-burning apparatus. A gas pressure control valve is utilized to stop the flow of gas from the first gas pressure regulator and enable the flow of gas from the second gas pressure regulator during the second time period. The gas pressure control valve can also be used to enable the flow of gas from the first gas pressure regulator and reduce the flow of gas from the second gas pressure regulator during the first time period. The gas pressure control valve can be controlled by an electrical circuit, such as a PLC to provide maximum automated performance.