Abstract: A sensor assembly is described. The sensor assembly includes a sensor body having an outwardly-extending flange, first and second spacers, and an integral two-part housing with first and second housing parts. The two-part housing includes an annular groove in which the outwardly-extending flange and the first and second spacers are received. Facing annular surfaces of the housing and the first and second spacers are in sliding contact with each other. Facing annular surfaces of the first and second spacers and the flange are in sliding contact with each other. The annular surfaces of the housing apply a compressive load to the flange by means of the first and second spacers to maintain a hermetic seal between the facing annular surfaces. The facing annular surfaces accommodate differential thermal expansion between the component parts of the sensor assembly if the sensor assembly is exposed to an environment with an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes an electrically conductive electrode bridge (26) and a multi-layer, integral sensor body (1). The sensor body (1) includes a core layer (2), an outer insulating layer (4) that substantially surrounds the core layer (2), and an electrically conductive electrode layer (6) between the core layer (2) and the outer insulating layer (4). The sensor body (1) also includes an electrically conductive electrode interface layer (14) at a rear part (12) of the sensor body (1) and in electrical contact with the electrode layer (6). The electrode bridge (26) is held in compression electrical contact with the electrode interface layer (14) during use.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes an electrically conductive electrode bridge (26) and a multi-layer, integral sensor body (1). The sensor body (1) includes a core layer (2), an outer insulating layer (4) that substantially surrounds the core layer (2), and an electrically conductive electrode layer (6) between the core layer (2) and the outer insulating layer (4). The sensor body (1) also includes an electrically conductive electrode interface layer (14) at a rear part (12) of the sensor body (1) and in electrical contact with the electrode layer (6). The electrode bridge (26) is held in compression electrical contact with the electrode interface layer (14) during use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor body (1?) that can be used as part of a sensor assembly, optionally a capacitive sensor that is used to measure the clearance between the tip of a gas turbine engine blade and the surrounding casing. The sensor body includes a core layer (2) having an electrically conductive electrode layer (6). An outer insulating layer (4) substantially surrounds the core layer (2) and extends along a front part (8) of the sensor body to define a window layer (10) that provides a hermetic seal that excludes gas from any interface between the constituent layers of the sensor body. The core layer (2) and the outer insulating layer (4) are formed from the same electrically non-conducting ceramic material to avoid any problems with differential thermal expansion. The electrode layer (6) is embedded within a front part of the sensor body and extends between the core layer (2) and the window layer (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor assembly. The assembly includes a sensor body 2 of appropriate construction (preferably substantially ceramic) with a radial flange 8. A housing 20 is of two-part integral construction and includes an annular groove or recess in which the radial flange 8 of the sensor body 2 is received when the sensor assembly is in its assembled form. The annular groove is defined by a pair of facing shoulders 28, 36 each having an annular surface 30, 38 and a substantially cylindrical surface 32, 40. The annular surfaces 30, 38 are in sliding contact with the flange 8 and apply a compressive load to the flange to form a hermetic seal between the housing 20 and the sensor body 2. The hermetic seal is maintained even if the sensor assembly is used at high operating temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor body (1?) that can be used as part of a sensor assembly, optionally a capacitive sensor that is used to measure the clearance between the tip of a gas turbine engine blade and the surrounding casing. The sensor body includes a core layer (2) having an electrically conductive electrode layer (6). An outer insulating layer (4) substantially surrounds the core layer (2) and extends along a front part (8) of the sensor body to define a window layer (10) that provides a hermetic seal that excludes gas from any interface between the constituent layers of the sensor body. The core layer (2) and the outer insulating layer (4) are formed from the same electrically non-conducting ceramic material to avoid any problems with differential thermal expansion. The electrode layer (6) is embedded within a front part of the sensor body and extends between the core layer (2) and the window layer (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor assembly. The assembly includes a sensor body 2 of appropriate construction (preferably substantially ceramic) with a radial flange 8. A housing 20 is of two-part integral construction and includes an annular groove or recess in which the radial flange 8 of the sensor body 2 is received when the sensor assembly is in its assembled form. The annular groove is defined by a pair of facing shoulders 28, 36 each having an annular surface 30, 38 and a substantially cylindrical surface 32, 40. The annular surfaces 30, 38 are in sliding contact with the flange 8 and apply a compressive load to the flange to form a hermetic seal between the housing 20 and the sensor body 2. The hermetic seal is maintained even if the sensor assembly is used at high operating temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable terminator assembly that can be used with a transmission cable such as a coaxial or triaxial cable, for example. Such a transmission cable can have an inner conductor and an outer conductor or shield. The cable terminator assembly includes an electrically conductive inner locator body or pin that includes a passageway for receiving the inner conductor. The passageway is brazed to the inner conductor to provide an electrical connection and a hermetic seal. An electrically conductive outer body is adapted to be brazed to the outer conductor to provide an earth connection and a hermetic seal. An intermediate spacer body of electrically insulating material (e.g. ceramic) is located between the inner locator body and the outer body.