Patents by Inventor Thomas N. Hatfield

Thomas N. Hatfield has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6117393
    Abstract: A multilayered gas sensor for detecting the presence of gases in air. In particular, sensors are described for sensing hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. An additional feature of the invention is to provide a device that is suitable for sensing gases in the harsh environment of an automobile exhaust system. The device features a ceramic substrate and a glass layer to adhere a catalyst support to the substrate. A catalyst layer of either platinum or rhodium is deposited on the catalyst support and a thermally sensitive resistor element detects reactions of hydrocarbons or nitrogen oxides on the corresponding catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas N. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 5779980
    Abstract: A gas sensor for detecting the presence of gases in air. In particular, sensors are described that have a compound catalytic support structure and are suitable for sensing hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. The device features a ceramic substrate having a temperature sensitive resistor on one surface. A mixture of ceramic particles and glass powder are applied over the substrate and resistor and fired so that the glass flows and adheres the ceramic particles to the substrate. A catalyst layer of either platinum or rhodium is deposited on the catalyst support and a thermally sensitive resistor element detects reactions of hydrocarbons or nitrogen oxides on the corresponding catalyst. The invention is suitable for sensing gases in the harsh environment of an automobile exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas N. Hatfield