Combustion detection apparatus

Claim 1

A combustion apparatus which comprises: 1. a fuel source including a fuel supply conduit having a controlled valve with a closure member moveable between valve open and valve closed positions; 2. combustion means to produce a combustion flame with fuel supply means connected thereto; 3. controlled valve control means operative to move said closure member between said positions; 4. combustion detection means comprising: i. an electrode assembly of a solid metal oxide member and electrodes comprising electrical conducting coatings on opposite sides of said oxide member, said metal oxide having the characteristic of generating an electromotive force when heated and when exposed to an oxygen gradient between said opposite sides by transfer of oxygen therethrough; ii. support means positioning one of said sides of said electrode assembly adjacent said combustion means to be in direct contact with the flame thereof and the opposite side in free-air circulation contact with said metal oxide member thereby exposed to a gradient of oxygen concentration and an elevated temperature produced by combustion at said combustion means; and 5. conductor means extending from said electrodes to apply said electromotive force directly to said controlled valve control means.