Abstract: A particulate matter sensor includes a sensing element with a first electrode and a second electrode, an inner shield with the sensing element disposed therein, and an outer shield with the inner shield disposed therein. The inner shield includes a first portion with an inner shield inlet and a second portion which is smaller in diameter that the first portion such that the first and second electrodes are within the second portion. The outer shield includes an outer shield inlet which communicates exhaust gases to the inner shield inlet.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor includes a sensing element with a first electrode and a second electrode, an inner shield with the sensing element disposed therein, and an outer shield with the inner shield disposed therein. The inner shield includes a first portion with an inner shield inlet and a second portion which is smaller in diameter that the first portion such that the first and second electrodes are within the second portion. The outer shield includes an outer shield inlet which communicates exhaust gases to the inner shield inlet.

Abstract: A urea storage system comprising a storage tank for a urea solution is provided. The system comprises a heated reservoir, a channel connecting the storage tank to the heated reservoir and a pump for drawing urea from the heated reservoir. A second pump including an actuator comprising a memory shape metal for drawing urea from the storage tank to the heated reservoir is also provided.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy heater is provided. It comprises variable buoyancy float that includes a variable volume element. A first fluid is contained within the variable volume element and a heating element that is integral with the variable buoyancy float is provided. The heater is arranged to heat the first fluid wherein the variable volume element expands based on a temperature increase from the heating element, such that the variable buoyancy float becomes positively buoyant when the variable volume element expands and negatively buoyant when the heating element is off.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an impact absorber for an exhaust sensor. The impact absorber comprises a collar of deformable material disposed around a housing of the exhaust sensor. The collar extends radially outward from the housing. The collar may be formed from a material selected to degrade at exhaust temperature, or the collar may be formed from a material that provides radiation shielding to a portion of the sensor after installation. The collar may be disposed around a sealing gasket. A wall may be disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the collar, the wall being spaced apart from a plurality of facets formed on the housing to form a recess for receiving a socket wrench tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an impact absorber for an exhaust sensor. The impact absorber comprises a collar of deformable material disposed around a housing of the exhaust sensor. The collar extends radially outward from the housing. The collar may be formed from a material selected to degrade at exhaust temperature, or the collar may be formed from a material that provides radiation shielding to a portion of the sensor after installation. The collar may be disposed around a sealing gasket. A wall may be disposed around at least a portion of a perimeter of the collar, the wall being spaced apart from a plurality of facets formed on the housing to form a recess for receiving a socket wrench tool.

Abstract: The invention includes a flat plate exhaust gas sensor having a plurality of layers of glass and steatite immediately surrounding a flat plate sensing element. A ceramic body surrounds each layer of solid-state, sintered glass and steatite and extends from each layer to a protective metal housing. A ceramic plunger presses the layers of glass and steatite. The plunger surrounds electrical connectors to the sensing element to prevent damage to the connector from heat.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust oxygen sensor including a component requiring electricity to operate such as a heater or oxygen electrode. The first electrical terminal is provided in electrical contact with the component and wherein the electrical terminal has at least one male prong. The second electrical terminal in electrical contact with a wire for delivering electrical power from an external source is also provided. The second electrical terminal has at least one female connector or receptacle. The male prong and the female connector are constructed and arranged so at least one of the first and second electrical terminals is removable with respect to the other terminal. The sensor may include a threaded nut slidably received over a tubular housing, constructed and arranged to be threaded onto a threaded exhaust manifold boss without rotating the housing.

Abstract: A spark plug grinding machine is equipped with force sensors to measure grinding forces and other forces attendant to a grinding operation. Ceramic spark plug insulators are carried by spindles on a Ferris wheel into a grinding station. A control wheel engages and spins each part as a grinding wheel grinds the surface of the insulator. A three axis transducer on one of the spindles measures force components along the axis of the spindle, parallel to a tangent of the grinding wheel and in a radial direction. A torque sensor on the control wheel measures the torque as the wheel rotates each insulator. Either or both of the sensors may be used. They are coupled through slip rings to a recorder.