Compressor control module

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6795753
  • Patent Number
    6,795,753
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, September 10, 2002
    22 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, September 21, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
A compressor control module for use with a pressurization system having a strain gauge transducer and a compressor. The compressor control module includes variable voltage references associated with low and high pressure limits, comparator circuits configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer to the variable voltage references, a control logic circuit configured to logically combine signals from the comparator circuits, and a relay circuit configured to apply power to the compressor.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




This invention relates generally to pressurization systems, and more particularly to control of such systems.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Generally, a pressurization system may be constructed using a compressor and a pressure switch. In such a system, the compressor is typically configured to pressurize a gas, such as air, or a liquid. The pressure switch is configured to measure the pressure created by the compressor and turn the compressor on and off to maintain a desired pressure. In certain applications, it may be desirable to accurately or precisely control the pressure provided by the pressurization system. An exemplary application of a precisely controlled pressurization system may be a pressurization system that provides dry pressurized air to an antenna housing or radome to prevent the ingress of contamination, such as moisture. Such precision pressurization systems are often desirable as the housings or radomes used on many antennas are often fragile and easy fractured.




One approach to controlling pressure from a compressor uses a diaphragm pressure switch. A diaphragm pressure switch generally includes a diaphragm, a spring supporting the diaphragm, and a set of electrical contacts coupled to the diaphragm. Pressurized air in the system presses against the diaphragm, opposing a bias from the spring. Once the pressure reaches a desired point, the electrical contacts are opened, de-energizing the compressor. Later, as pressure in the system decreases, the contacts are closed, re-energizing the compressor and thereby maintaining a constant pressure in the system.




Diaphragm pressure switches are not particularly well suited to accurately regulating pressure due to the spring force within such switches varying with temperature, vibration, and wear due to cyclical use. Sample-to-sample consistency of springs may also impart unacceptable variations in pressure. Further, diaphragm pressure switches tend to be sensitive to gravity or physical orientation; therefore, implementation of a diaphragm pressure switch may be critical in accurately controlling pressure.




Other approaches for regulating pressure in a pressurization system involve the use of strain gauge transducers and microprocessors. In these approaches, a transducer may be used to provide a voltage that varies in proportion to the pressure in the system created by a compressor. The variable voltage from the transducer is then processed either directly or indirectly, after an analog-to-digital conversion is performed, by a microprocessor to control the operation of the compressor, thereby maintaining a given pressure.




Approaches utilizing transducers have the advantage of regulating pressure accurately but are of limited utility due to the microprocessors used therewith. Often, pressurization systems are needed in applications where moisture, vibration, and power consumption are of concern. Pressurization systems incorporating microprocessors in such applications may be prone to failure, while requiring additional power. Moreover, the use of a microprocessor in a pressurization system may increase the cost of such a system, sometimes prohibitively so.




Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a pressurization system having accurate pressure sensing and reliability. It would be further desirable to achieve such accuracy and reliability with reduced cost and power consumption.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.





FIG. 1

is a pneumatic diagram of an embodiment of a pressurization system in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and,





FIG. 2

is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a compressor control module adapted for use with the pressurization system shown in FIG.


1


and consistent with the present invention.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




With reference to

FIGS. 1 and 2

, wherein like numerals denote like parts, there is shown a pressurization system


10


and a compressor control module


40


for use therewith that relies on a strain gauge transducer


26


to sense the pressure in the system


10


accurately and reliability with reduced cost and power consumption. More specifically, strain gauge transducer


26


provides a voltage that varies in proportion to the pressure in the system


10


. The voltage is then compared to set points, (i.e., variable voltages), to control the operation of a compressor


14


, and optionally provide additional controls and alarms.




Referring first to

FIG. 1

, a pneumatic diagram of an embodiment


10


of a pressurization system in accordance with principles of the present invention is illustrated. Pressurization system


10


comprises a compressor


14


coupled with a strain gauge transducer


26


. Strain gauge transducer


26


exemplifies a transducer that provides a voltage that varies in proportion to pressure, as is well known in the art. Thus, as configured in system


10


and as shown in

FIG. 1

, the voltage provided by strain gauge transducer


26


varies in proportion to the pressure created in system


10


by compressor


14


, the voltage being used to control the operation of compressor


14


as will be discussed hereinafter.




Strain gauge transducers are available in a number of standard pressure ranges from SenSym ICT, located at 1804 McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas, Calif. 95035. Measurement Specialties, Inc., located at 80 Little Falls Road, Fairfield, N.J. 07004 also manufactures a number of standard pressure ranges, as well as custom pressure range, transducers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any one of these transducers, as well as others, may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.




System


10


may optionally include an intake air filter


12


coupled to the compressor


14


. System


10


may further comprise one or more filters


18


,


20


, a check valve


22


, a tank


24


, and a pressure regulator


28


, all of which are in fluid communication intermediate compressor


14


and strain gauge transducer


26


. Solenoid valves


16


,


30


and/or alarms


32


,


34


may also be advantageously included as will also be discussed hereinafter.




As configured in

FIG. 1

, ambient air is drawn into system


10


through intake air filter


12


by compressor


14


. The filtered intake air then flows downstream through filters


18


and


20


. Filters


18


and


20


dry the intake air, the moisture in the intake air accumulating at the bottom of the filters


18


,


20


. Filters


18


and


20


may be coupled to a valve actuated by a solenoid


16


for purposes of draining the accumulated moisture from the filters


18


,


20


as will be discussed hereinafter. The dry intake air then flows downstream through check valve


22


and into tank


24


. Check valve


22


functions to prevent dry pressurized air in tank


24


from flowing upstream into filters


18


and


20


when compressor


14


is de-energized.




Compressor


14


builds pressure in tank


24


, tank


24


functioning as a reservoir for dry pressurized air. When the pressure in tank


24


exceeds a given pressure associated with pressure regulator


28


, pressure regulator


28


provides a source of accurately controlled dry pressurized air, as indicated at reference numeral


36


. Such a source of accurately controlled dry pressurized air


36


may be used to prevent the ingress of moisture and other contaminants in pressure sensitive devices such as an antenna


38


having a housing or radome


60


, the radome including a window


62


. System


10


may also be used for waveguides


64


, conduits or cable troughs


66


or antenna systems


68


with enclosed portions which are pressurized. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that pressurization system


10


may also be used for other applications requiring a source of accurately controlled dry pressurized air.




System


10


may advantageously include an over pressure relief valve


30


. Over pressure relief valve


30


may be used to release pressure in system


10


to protect pressure sensitive components, such as a window in an antenna housing or radome, should an over pressure condition occur within system


10


. System


10


may also advantageously include a low pressure alarm


32


and/or a high pressure alarm


34


. Low pressure alarm


32


and high pressure alarm


34


may be used to provide indications of low and high pressure conditions in system


10


. In

FIG. 1

, over pressure relief valve


30


, low pressure alarm


32


, and high pressure alarm


34


are shown downstream from pressure regulator


28


; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any or all of an over pressure relief valve, low pressure alarm, and high pressure alarm may be located upstream from a pressure regulator without departing from the spirit of the present invention.




Referring now to

FIG. 2

, a schematic diagram of an embodiment


40


of a compressor control module adapted for use with pressurization system


10


shown in FIG.


1


and consistent with principles of the present invention is illustrated. Compressor control module


40


comprises variable voltage references


42




a-e


, comparator circuits


44




a-e


, control logic circuit


46


, relays


48




a-e


, delay timer circuit


50


and indicators


52




a-e.






To control the operation of compressor


14


, compressor control module


40


uses variable voltage references


42




a


,


42




b


, comparator circuits


44




a


,


44




b


, control logic circuit


46


, and relay


48




a


. Variable voltage reference


42




a


is associated with a low-pressure limit for pressurized air from compressor


14


, and variable voltage reference


42




b


is associated with a high-pressure limit for the pressurized air. Comparator circuit


44




a


is coupled to strain gauge transducer


26


and variable voltage reference


42




a


and is configured to compare the voltage from strain gauge transducer


26


and variable voltage reference


42




a


and output a first logic signal


54




a


for energizing compressor


14


. Similarly, comparator circuit


44




b


is coupled to the strain gauge transducer


26


and variable voltage reference


42




b


and is configured to compare the voltage from strain gauge transducer


26


and variable voltage reference


44




b


and output a second logic signal


54




b


. Control logic circuit


46


is coupled to comparator circuits


44




a


and


44




b


and is configured to logically combine the first and second logic signals


54




a


,


54




b


and provide a control signal


54




c


. Relay


48




a


is coupled to the control logic circuit


46


and is configured to apply power to the compressor


14


in response to the control signal


54




c.






Control logic circuit


46


may include one or more logic gates or other suitable logic components configured to logically combine logic signals


54




a


and


54




b


, providing control signal


54




c


, for purposes of energizing compressor


14


when the pressure in system


10


is below the low pressure limit and de-energizing compressor


14


when the pressure in system


10


is above the high pressure limit. The one or more logic gates may be further configured to maintain the operational status, i.e., energized or de-energized, of compressor


14


should the pressure in system


10


be between the low and high pressure limits.




Such a configuration of logic gates will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art when faced with the design constraints associated with the selection of other components in system


10


. Constraints may include, but are not limited to, the selection of the strain gauge transducer


26


, the selection of the comparator circuits


44




a-e


, and the availability of devices or components within integrated circuits should integrated circuits be selected for comparators circuits


44




a-e


and/or variable voltage references


42




a-e.






As configured in

FIG. 2

, indicator


52




a


is coupled to control logic circuit


46


and indicates the operational status of compressor


14


. As mentioned hereinbefore and shown in

FIG. 1

, solenoid valve


16


may be used to drain moisture and contaminants from filters


18


and


20


. As shown in

FIG. 2

, relay


48




b


is coupled to control logic circuit


46


and actuates solenoid valve


16


in response to control signal


54




c


. Delay timer circuit


50


coupled intermediate control logic circuit


46


and relay


48




b


may used to delay the application of control signal


54




c


to solenoid valve


16


thereby providing an opportunity for moisture to condense in filters


18


and


20


prior to being drained. Delay timer circuit


50


may be an integrated circuit timer such as a 555 timer/oscillator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other timers and/or oscillators may also be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.




Control module


40


advantageously includes control circuits


56




a-c


. Each control circuit


56




a-c


comprises a respective variable voltage reference


42




c-e


, a comparator circuit


44




c-e


, and a relay


48




c-e


. Each control circuit


56




a-c


may further comprise a respective indicator


52




b-d


. The variable voltage references


42




c-e


may be associated with either an under pressure limit or an over pressure limit. As configured in

FIGS. 1 and 2

, variable voltage references


42




c


and


42




d


are associated with an over pressure limit, whereas variable voltage reference


42




e


is associated with an under pressure limit.




Comparator circuits


44




c-e


are coupled to strain gauge pressure transducer


26


and variable voltage references


42




c-e


, respectively. Comparator circuits


44




c-e


are configured to compare the voltage from strain gauge transducer


26


and the respective variable voltage reference


42




c-e


and output a respective logic signal


54




d-f


. Relays


48




c-e


are coupled respectively to comparator circuits


44




c-e


and include a set of switch contacts that operate in response to the respective logic signals


54




d-f


. Indicators


52




b-d


coupled to respective comparator circuits


44




c-e


indicate the state of the relay, such as the position of respective relay


48




c-e


switch contacts.




As shown in

FIGS. 1 and 2

, control circuit


56




a


is coupled to over pressure relief valve


30


for purposes of releasing pressure in system


10


in the event of an over pressure condition, variable voltage


42




c


corresponding to the pressure at which valve


30


opens. Control circuit


56




b


is coupled to a high pressure alarm


34


, variable voltage reference


42




d


corresponding to the pressure at which the high pressure alarm occurs. Similarly, control circuit


56




c


is coupled to a low pressure alarm


32


, variable voltage reference


42




e


corresponding to the pressure at which the low pressure alarm occurs.




Variable voltage references


44




a-e


may be provided using potentiometers, a resistor arrays, or digital-to-analog converters used with a series of switches, such as dual inline package (DIP) switches, or a processor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other devices providing a variable voltage may also be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Comparator circuits


44




a-e


may be differential amplifiers, operational amplifiers, or other devices capable of comparing two voltages and providing a logical output and known to those skilled in the art. Indicators


52




a-d


may be incandescent lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or other indicators having similar functionality.




While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. For example, it will be understood that a valve actuated by a solenoid for purposes of draining accumulated moisture from one or more filters, an over pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from a pressurization system should an over pressure condition occur within a system, and high and/or low pressure alarms and the circuitry associated therewith are all optional, and may be omitted from embodiments consistent with the present invention. Further, a strain gauge pressure transducer may be used to sense pressure in practically any pressurized region of a pressurization system. Moreover, multiple strain gauge pressure transducers may also be used to sense pressures in multiple regions of a pressurization system. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of applicants' general inventive concept.



Claims
  • 1. A pressurization system having a strain gauge transducer, the pressurization system comprising:a compressor configured for providing compressed air in an RF system; a first variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the pressurization system; a first comparator circuit configured for coupling with a strain gauge transducer and the first voltage reference, the first comparator circuit operable to compare a voltage signal from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the first voltage reference and output a first logic signal; a control logic circuit coupled to the first comparator circuit and operable to provide a control signal reflective of the first logic signal for controlling operation of the compressor.
  • 2. The pressurization system of claim 1 further comprising a relay coupled to the control logic circuit and configured for applying power to the compressor in response to the control signal.
  • 3. The pressurization system of claim 1, wherein the first voltage reference comprises a potentiometer.
  • 4. The pressurization system of claim 1, wherein the first voltage reference comprises a resistor array.
  • 5. The pressurization system of claim 1, wherein the first voltage reference comprises a digital-to-analog converter and at least one of a series of switches and a processor.
  • 6. The pressurization system of claim 1, wherein the first comparator circuit comprises a differential amplifier.
  • 7. The pressurization system of claim 1, wherein the first comparator circuit comprises an operational amplifier.
  • 8. The pressurization system of claim 1, wherein the control logic circuit comprises an exclusive OR logic gate.
  • 9. The pressurization system of claim 1, wherein the control logic circuit comprises a plurality of logic gates.
  • 10. The pressurization system of claim 1, further comprising an indicator coupled to the control logic, the indicator indicating the operational status of the compressor.
  • 11. The pressurization system of claim 1, wherein the pressurization system includes at least one filter coupled to a valve actuated by a solenoid, and a relay coupled to the control logic circuit and configured to actuate the solenoid in response to the control signal.
  • 12. The pressurization system of claim 11, further comprising a delay timer circuit coupled intermediate the control logic circuit and the relay, the delay timer circuit configured to delay the application of the control signal to the solenoid.
  • 13. The pressurization system of claim 12, wherein the delay timer circuit comprises an integrated circuit timer.
  • 14. The pressurization system of claim 1 further comprising a second variable voltage reference associated with a high pressure limit for the compressor, the first variable voltage reference associated with a low pressure limit;a second comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the second voltage reference, the second comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the second voltage reference and output a second logic signal; the control logic circuit coupled to the first and second comparator circuits and configured to logically combine the first and second logic signals and provide the control signal.
  • 15. The pressurization system of claim 14, further comprising:a third variable voltage reference associated with at least one of an under pressure limit and an over pressure limit; a third comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the third variable voltage reference, the third comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge transducer and the third variable voltage reference and output a second control signal; and a relay coupled to the third comparator circuit and operating in response to the second control signal.
  • 16. The pressurization system of claim 15, further comprising an indicator coupled to the third comparator circuit, the indicator indicating a state of the relay.
  • 17. The pressurization system of claim 15, wherein the pressurization system includes an over pressure relief valve with the third comparator relay being coupled to the over pressure relief valve.
  • 18. The pressurization system of claim 15, wherein the relay drives at least one of an under pressure and over pressure alarm.
  • 19. The pressurization system of claim 1, wherein the pressurization system is coupled to an antenna radome.
  • 20. A pressurization system comprising:a strain gauge transducer; a compressor; a first variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the pressurization system; a first comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the first voltage reference, the first comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the first voltage reference and output a first logic signal; a control logic circuit coupled to the first comparator circuit and operable to provide a control signal reflective of the first logic signal for controlling operation of the compressor; a second variable voltage reference associated with a high pressure limit for the pressurization system, the first variable voltage reference associated with a low pressure limit; a second comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the second voltage reference, the second comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the second voltage reference and output a second logic signal; the control logic circuit coupled to the first and second comparator circuits and configured to logically combine the first and second logic signals and provide the control signal.
  • 21. The pressurization system of claim 20 further comprising a relay coupled to the control logic circuit and configured for applying power to the compressor in response to the control signal.
  • 22. The pressurization system of claim 20, wherein the first voltage reference comprises one of a potentiometer and a resistor array.
  • 23. The pressurization system of claim 20, wherein the first voltage reference comprises digital-to-analog converters and at least one of a series of switches and a processor.
  • 24. The pressurization system of claim 20, wherein the first comparator circuit comprises one of differential and operational amplifiers.
  • 25. The pressurization system of claim 20, further comprising an indicator coupled to the control logic circuit, the indicator indicating the operational status of the compressor.
  • 26. The pressurization system of claim 20, further comprising:a third variable voltage reference associated with at least one of an under pressure limit and an over pressure limit; a third comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the third variable voltage reference, the third comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge transducer and the third variable voltage reference and output a second control signal.
  • 27. The pressurization system of claim 26, further comprising an alarm for indicating one of an over pressure limit and under pressure limit, the alarm operating in response to the second control signal.
  • 28. The pressurization system of claim 26, further comprising over pressure relief valve for relieving pressure in the compressor, the over pressure relief valve operating in response to the second control signal.
  • 29. The pressurization system of claim 20, wherein the pressurization system is configured for coupling with an antenna radome.
  • 30. A pressurization system comprising:a strain gauge transducer; a compressor; a first variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the pressurization system; a first comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the first voltage reference, the first comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the first voltage reference and output a first logic signal; p1 a control logic circuit coupled to the first comparator circuit and operable to provide a control signal reflective of the first logic signal for controlling operation of the compressor; wherein the pressurization system is configured for use with an antenna having a radome and a radome window.
  • 31. The pressurization system of claim 20, wherein the pressurization system is configured for use with a waveguide.
  • 32. The pressurization system of claim 20, wherein the pressurization system is configured for use with a conduit.
  • 33. An antenna system comprising:an antenna having an enclosed portion to be pressurized; a compressor operably coupled to the antenna for pressurizing the enclosed portion; a strain gauge transducer operably coupled to the determine a pressure for the system; a first variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the system; a first comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the first voltage reference, the first comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the first voltage reference and output a first logic signal; a control logic circuit coupled to the first comparator circuit and operable to provide a control signal reflective of the first logic signal for controlling operation of the compressor to maintain the pressure of the antenna system.
  • 34. An RF system comprising:a conduit coupling electrical components of the RF system; a compressor operably coupled to the conduit for pressurizing the conduit; a strain gauge transducer operably coupled to the determine a pressure for the RF system; a first variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the RF system; a first comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the first voltage reference, the first comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the first voltage reference and output a first logic signal; a control logic circuit coupled to the first comparator circuit and operable to provide a control signal reflective of the first logic signal for controlling operation of the compressor to maintain the pressure of the RF system.
  • 35. An RF system comprising:a waveguide coupling electrical components of the RF system; a compressor operably coupled to the waveguide for pressurizing the waveguide; a strain gauge transducer operably coupled to the determine a pressure for the RF system; a first variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the RF system; a first comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the first voltage reference, the first comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the first voltage reference and output a first logic signal; a control logic circuit coupled to the first comparator circuit and operable to provide a control signal reflective of the first logic signal for controlling operation of the compressor to maintain the pressure of the RF system.
  • 36. A method of controlling the pressure in an RF system, the method comprising:providing compressed air to the RF system with a compressor; comparing a voltage signal from a strain gauge pressure transducer with a first variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the RF system and outputting a first logic signal; based on such comparison and the first logic signal, generating a control signal; and, selectively energizing or de-energizing the compressor in response to the control signal.
  • 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising:comparing the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer with a second variable voltage reference associated with a high pressure limit for the pressurization system to output a second logic signal, the first variable voltage reference associated with a low pressure limit; with a control logic circuit, logically combining the first and second logic signals and generating the control signal.
  • 38. The method of claim 37 further comprising setting at least one of the first and second variable voltage references in response to a user input.
  • 39. The method of claim 36 further comprising:comparing a voltage signal from the strain gauge pressure transducer with another variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the pressurization system; based on such comparison, operating an over pressure relief valve to relieve an over pressure condition in the system.
  • 40. The method of claim 36 further comprising:comparing a voltage signal from the strain gauge pressure transducer with another variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the pressurization system; based on such comparison, generating an alarm indicative of one of an over pressure condition and an under pressure.
  • 41. A method for pressurizing at least one of a conduit or a waveguide in an RF system comprising:coupling a compressor to the RF system; comparing a voltage signal from a strain gauge pressure transducer with a first variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the RF system and outputting a first logic signal; based on such comparison and the first logic signal, generating a control signal; and, selectively energizing or de-energizing the compressor in response to the control signal.
  • 42. A method for pressurizing an antenna system comprising:coupling a compressor to the antenna system; comparing a voltage signal from a strain gauge pressure transducer with a first variable voltage reference associated with a pressure limit for the antenna system and outputting a first logic signal; based on such comparison and the first logic signal, generating a control signal; and, selectively energizing or de-energizing the compressor in response to the control signal.
  • 43. A control module configured for use with a pressurization system having a strain gauge transducer and a compressor, the control module comprising:a first variable voltage reference associated with a low pressure limit for the pressurization system; a first comparator circuit configured for coupling with a strain gauge transducer and the first voltage reference, the first comparator circuit operable to compare a voltage signal from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the first voltage reference and output a first logic signal; a second variable voltage reference associated with a high pressure limit for the pressurization system; a second comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the second voltage reference, the second comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge pressure transducer and the second voltage reference and output a second logic signal; a control logic circuit coupled to the first and second comparator circuits and configured to logically combine the first and second logic signals and provide a control signal for controlling operation of the compressor; a third variable voltage reference associated with at least one of an under pressure limit and an over pressure limit; a third comparator circuit coupled to the strain gauge transducer and the third variable voltage reference, the third comparator circuit configured to compare the voltage from the strain gauge transducer and the third variable voltage reference and output a second control signal; and a relay coupled to the third comparator circuit and operating in response to the second control signal.
  • 44. The control module of claim 43, further comprising an indicator coupled to the third comparator circuit, the indicator indicating a state of the relay.
  • 45. The control module of claim 43, wherein the pressurization system includes an over pressure relief valve with the third comparator relay being coupled to the over pressure relief valve.
  • 46. The control module of claim 43, wherein the relay drives at least one of an under pressure and over pressure alarm.
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Entry
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