System and method for heating an oxygen sensor via multiple heating elements
US5544640A · kind A · utility
14Cited by
14References
8Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 3, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02D41/1494
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A circuit and method are provided for heating a dual heater oxygen sensor. One resistance element is of relatively low resistance such that the oxygen sensor is heated quickly and the other element is of relatively high resistance such that the oxygen sensor is heated and maintained at an optimal operating temperature. The circuit and associated method turn on a low resistance start heater that is in communication with the oxygen sensor given start-up conditions. Once the oxygen sensor has reached an operating temperature range a high resistance operating temperature heater is turned on and the start heater is turned off.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.