With Means For Temperature Or Pressure Compensation Patents (Class 204/408)
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Publication number: 20110156177Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device for measuring and/or controlling a property of an analyte (100). The electronic device comprises: i) an electrode (Snsr) forming an interface with the analyte (100) in which the electrode (Snsr) is immersed in operational use, the interface having an interface temperature (T), and ii) a resistive heater (Htr) being thermally and capacitively coupled to the electrode (Snsr), the resistive heater (Htr) being configured for setting the interface temperature (T) by controlling a current through the resistive heater (Htr). The resistive heater (Htr) is provided with signal integrity protection for reducing the capacitive charging of the electrode (Snsr) by the resistive heater (Htr) if the current through the resistive heater (Htr) is modulated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: NXP B.V.Inventor: Matthias Merz
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Publication number: 20110139618Abstract: Ceramic exhaust gas sensors are disclosed that offer enhanced dimensional stability during curing, with reduced occurrence of deformations like bending or warping, and can be used in a variety of exhaust gas component sensing applications. The sensors of the invention utilize appropriate selection and orientation of the various layers of green ceramic tape that make up the sensor structure to provide enhanced dimensional stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Dana M. Serrels, Ray L. Bloink
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Patent number: 7955853Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating a real-time oxidation-reduction potential signature in a hot water system to detect REDOX stress and inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which analyzes and interprets the transmitted potential to create an oxidation-reduction potential signature for the hot water system. If the signature does not conform to an oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Nalco CompanyInventors: Peter D. Hicks, David A. Grattan
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Publication number: 20110127163Abstract: An amperometric probe suitable for monitoring chlorine levels in water is described. The probe has low power consumption and maintenance requirements rendering it particularly suitable for long periods of operation in remote locations with portable power supplies.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventor: Michael Brooks
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Patent number: 7906339Abstract: A system and method that uses electrical conductivity measurements to identify the impurities in a solution, as well as the concentrations of such impurities. The conductance versus temperature curve for any particular ion is unique to that ion and the conductance versus temperature curve for a solution is unique to the ions in the solution and their concentrations. Equations can be used to describe the conductivity versus temperature curve containing specific ions at set concentrations. To that end, the present invention measures the conductivity of a solution over some specified temperature range, calculates a conductivity-temperature curve from a library of ions to match the measured conductivity, and uses a mathematical process to vary the ions and their concentrations in the calculated curve to make it match the measured curve as closely as possible.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Inventor: Jacob Mettes
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Publication number: 20100294661Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a galvanic fuel cell type oxygen sensor comprises providing a pressure equalization port leading to the interior of an inner core housing that contains the membrane, the electrolyte and the anode and cathode electrodes and hermetically sealing the sensor housing except for its sample inlet port and its sample outlet port. By connecting the same vacuum source to both the pressure equalization port and the sample outlet port, the device's membrane is less subject to movement or rupture as gas samples are drawn in via the sample inlet port. A technique for ensuring a hermetic seal is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Medical Graphics CorporationInventors: Timothy P. Fitzgerald, C. Peter Howard
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Publication number: 20100264025Abstract: An electrode assembly for a particulate matter sensor in a gas environment. The electrode assembly includes an insulating tube, a conductor, and a positioning structure. The insulating tube has an outer surface and defines an interior cavity with an interior surface. The conductor is disposed within the interior cavity of the insulating tube. The conductor is electrically coupled to an electrode at a first end of the insulating tube and includes a contact portion at a second end of the insulating tube for connection to an external conductor. The positioning structure is coupled to the conductor. The positioning structure mechanically supports the conductor at a distance from the interior surface of the insulating tube to at least partially define an air dielectric gap at approximately a heater location corresponding to a heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Balakrishnan G. Nair, Brett Tamatea Henderson
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Publication number: 20100163411Abstract: The present invention provides, as one aspect, a gas sensor element including a solid electrolytic substance having a bottomed cylindrical shape and oxygen ion conductivity, a reference electrode arranged on an inner side surface of the solid electrolytic substance, a measuring electrode arranged on an outer side surface of the solid electrolytic substance, and a protective layer which covers the outer side surface of the solid electrolytic substance together with the measuring electrode and which allows gas to be measured to pass through the protective layer, wherein an end side of the gas sensor element is formed of a leg portion whose profile line is straight on an axial cross section and a bottom portion whose profile line is curved, and the film thickness of the protective layer of the bottom portion is larger than the film thickness of the protective layer of the leg portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Zhenzhou SU, Kiyomi KOBAYASHI, Motoaki SATOU
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Publication number: 20100108511Abstract: A long-term, reliable high pressure reference electrode for high temperature applications was disclosed. This reference electrode has inner and an outer liquid junction plugs. The inner plug provides the function of restraining the outflow of the internal reference electrolyte. The outer plug is chemically and mechanically robust in the external fluid where the reference electrode is used and protects the inner plug from the mechanical and chemical attacks by the harsh external fluid. Therefore, the inner plug can be selected from many of the well-characterized liquid junction plugs used in regular low temperature reference electrodes, without the need for the inner plug to be chemically and mechanically stable in the external fluid, as long as it has the thermal stability. A method for preventing the formation of gas bubbles inside a high pressure reference electrode in the electrolyte-filled section, and thus eliminating the gas bobble effect on the electrical continuity, was also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Lietai Yang, Xiaodong Sun Yang
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Publication number: 20100108535Abstract: An electrochemical system having a plurality of discrete electrochemical cell stacks is described. The system includes a water-oxygen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cell stacks and a hydrogen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cells. A means for ventilating the system and a control system for monitoring and operating said electrochemical system, said control system including a means for detecting abnormal operating conditions and a means for degrading the performance of said electrochemical system in response to said abnormal condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Justin Damien Baltrucki, A. John Speranza, Michael Aaron Spaner, Curt Copeland Ebner, Ken Wayne Dreier, Stephen Arthur Goyette, Lawrence Clinton Moulthrop, Matthew J. Christopher
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Patent number: 7704359Abstract: The present application relates to a pressurized reference electrode and to a process for its production, said reference electrode comprising a chamber (11) which has a flowable reference electrolyte, and a portion of the wall of said chamber being formed from porous material (10) for contacting said reference electrode with a measuring medium, and said chamber being under overpressure, which is characterized in that the overpressure is generated in said reference electrode by introducing a gas or/and a liquid through said porous material of the wall in said chamber, or introducing said reference electrolyte into said chamber and closing said chamber under pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Hamilton Bonaduz AGInventors: Fabio Sovrano, Rolf Thrier
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Patent number: 7704357Abstract: A potentiometric sensor, especially a pH-sensor or redox-sensor, includes: an elementary sensor for registering a potentiometric parameter, especially a pH-value or a redox potential; and an interface for issuing a potentiometric-parameter-dependent signal to a superordinated unit, especially a transmitter; wherein the potentiometric sensor of the invention has a digital data memory, which is permanently connected with elementary sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft fur Mess- und Regeltechnik MBh + Co. KGInventors: Torsten Pechstein, Detlev Wittmer, Hermann Straub, Dirk Steinmueller
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Patent number: 7678251Abstract: A system to detect a presence of a specific gas in a mixture of gaseous byproducts comprising moisture vapor is disclosed. The system includes an electrochemical cell, a transport to deliver the mixture of gaseous byproducts from the electrochemical cell, a gas sensor in fluid communication with the transport, the sensor responsive to a presence of the specific gas to generate a signal corresponding to a concentration of the specific gas, and a membrane to prevent transmission of liquid moisture, the membrane disposed between the transport and the gas sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Oscar Ken Chow, Lawrence Clinton Moulthrop, Ken Wayne Dreier, Jacob Andrew Miller
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Patent number: 7666286Abstract: A gas sensor includes a first space for a measurement gas from a gas-introducing hole via a first diffusion rate-determining section, a main pumping means for controlling a partial pressure of oxygen in the measurement gas introduced into the first space to have a predetermined value, a second space for the measurement gas from the first space via a second diffusion rate-determining section, and a measuring pumping means for reducing or decomposing a NOx component in the measurement gas introduced from the second space via a third diffusion rate-determining section so that oxygen produced thereby is pumped out to detect a current generated by pumping out the oxygen. A ratio (Wc/We) between a width (We) of an end of a sensor element and a width (Wc) of the gas-introducing hole is not less than 0.3 and less than 0.7.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kurachi, Yuichi Sasaki, Takeya Miyashita
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Patent number: 7632384Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional sensor system that simultaneously measures cathode and anode electrode potentials, dissolved ion (i.e. oxide) concentration, and temperatures in an electrochemical cell. One embodiment of the invented system generally comprises: a reference(saturated) electrode, a reference(sensing) electrode, and a data acquisition system. Thermocouples are built into the two reference electrodes to provide important temperature information.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Laszlo Redey, Karthick Gourishankar, Mark A. Williamson
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Publication number: 20090242400Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a NOx sensor for accurately obtaining the resistance value of a heater. When a second layer is laminated immediately above a first layer on which the heater for electrically heating the proximity of an inner space of the NOx sensor and two heater leads having substantially same shape which are energizing paths to the heater are formed, the second layer on which at least one of leads is formed out of a first lead for electrically connecting a reference electrode to outside, a second lead for electrically connecting a measuring electrode to outside, and a third lead for electrically connecting a plurality of pump electrodes to outside, the lead formed on the second layer is arranged so as not to overlap any of two heater leads in a laminating direction of the first layer and the second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki FUJITA, Hiroyuki SHINDO
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Publication number: 20090159445Abstract: A gas sensor is disclosed. The gas sensor includes a gas sensing layer, at least one electrode, an adhesion layer, and a response modification layer adjacent to said gas sensing layer and said layer of adhesion. A system having an exhaust system and a gas sensor is also disclosed. A method of fabricating the gas sensor is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Kalaga Murali Krishna, Geetha Karavoor, John Patrick Lemmon, Jun Cui, Vinayak Tilak, Mohandas Nayak, Ravikumar Hanumantha
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Publication number: 20090159446Abstract: A gas sensor is disclosed. The gas sensor includes a gas sensing layer including doped oxygen deficient tungsten oxide and a dopant selected from the group consisting of Re, Ni, Cr, V, W, and a combination thereof, at least one electrode positioned within a layer of titanium, and a response modification layer. The at least one electrode is in communication with the gas sensing layer and the gas sensing layer is capable of detecting at least one gas selected from the group consisting of NO, NO2, SOx O2, H2O, and NH3. A method of fabricating the gas sensor is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jun Cui, John Patrick Lemmon, Kalaga Murali Krishna, Geetha Karavoor, Vinayak Tilak, Mohandas Nayak, Ravikumar Hanumantha
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Publication number: 20090008249Abstract: An alkaloid sensor, systems comprising the same, and measurement using the systems. The alkaloid sensor has an extended gate field effect transistor (EGFET) structure and comprises a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) on a semiconductor substrate, a sensing unit comprising a substrate, a tin oxide film on the substrate, and an alkaloid acylase film immobilized on the tin oxide film, and a conductive wire connecting the MOSFET and the sensing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Jung-Chuan Chou, Shin-Cheng Chang
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Patent number: 7462266Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the NOx concentration includes a first measurement chamber 20 communicating with the gas under measurement via a diffusion rate defining layer 4d and a second measurement chamber 26 communicating with the first measurement chamber 20 via diffusion limiting layers 6d, 22d. A first pump current IP1 is controlled so that an output of a Vs cell 6 will be equal to the reference voltage VCO for controlling the oxygen concentration in the first measurement chamber 20 to a pre-set low value. A constant voltage is applied across the second pump cell 8 for decomposing the NOx component in the second measurement chamber 26 for pumping out oxygen for detecting the NOx concentration from a second pump current IP2. The sensor temperature is detected from the internal resistance of the Vs cell for controlling the current supplied to the heaters 12, 14. If the temperature of the gas under measurement is changed rapidly, the sensor temperature is changed.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Miyata, Noriaki Kondo, Hiroshi Inagaki
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Publication number: 20080283399Abstract: A sensor for analyzing a liquid sample is provided. The sensor includes a sensor body defining a chamber therein. A sensing cell is disposed within the chamber and is adapted to contact the sample solution. The sensing cell has a sensing cell fill solution therein, and a sensing electrode disposed within the sensing cell fill solution. A reference fill solution is disposed within the sensor body. A reference junction is arranged to contact the reference fill solution and the sample solution. A temperature sensitive device is disposed within the body and is configured to provide a temperature sensitive device output. A reference electrode is disposed within the sensor body in contact with the reference fill solution. A solution ground electrode is disposed within the sensor body and spaced from the reference electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: Rosemount Analytical Inc.Inventors: Chang-Dong Feng, Barry W. Benton
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Publication number: 20080179179Abstract: A device for measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure in hot water systems is disclosed and claimed. The device includes a flow-through cell, an oxidation-reduction potential probe, a temperature detector, and an external pressure-balanced reference electrode assembly. Each component of the device works in conjunction with the other components and each has electrical connections that transmit signals to a controller. The controller calculates and determines adjustments to feedwater chemistry for the hot water system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, M. Alexandra Knoth
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Patent number: 7404880Abstract: A layered sensor element used in a gas measuring sensor for measuring a physical property of a measuring gas, preferably for determining the temperature of the measuring gas or the concentration of a component of the measuring gas. The sensor element contains a wave-form heater, which is embedded in a porous heater insulation. At least one separating element having a lower porosity than the porous heater insulation is provided between two adjacent sections of the wave-form heater.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Johannes Kanters, Lothar Diehl, Stefan Rodewald
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Publication number: 20080067081Abstract: A system of measuring pH of a solution having a calibration device to counteract time-drift effect. The calibration device of the system adjusts a compensation voltage to zero a measuring voltage of a first sensor and only respond to time-drift voltage of the first sensor. The calibration device has a differential operation amplifier receiving measuring voltages from the first sensor and a second sensor of the system to eliminate the time-drift voltages of the first and second sensors, thereby achieving calibration of the time-drift effects.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Jung-Chuan Chou, Cheng-Hsin Liu
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Publication number: 20080041733Abstract: An electrolytic sensing system for measuring a blocking signal allows for controlled translocation of a molecule, such as DNA, through a fluid channel. A substantially constant electric field supplied by a DC source is applied across the fluid channel and induces translocation of the molecule within the system. An oscillating electric parameter (e.g. current or voltage) supplied by an AC source is also applied across the fluid channel as a means for measuring a blocking signal. The substantially constant electric field can be altered to provide more detailed control of the molecule and, optionally, run a select portion of the molecule through the channel multiple times to provide numerous signal readings. A temperature control stage cools the system, providing further control of molecule translocation. A modified or non-modified protein pore may be utilized in the fluid channel. The system allows for long DNA strands to be sequenced quickly without amplification.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: Andrew D. Hibbs, Eric A. Duff
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Patent number: 7318273Abstract: A method for producing a pH measuring probe includes: providing an electrode wire protruding out of both sides of a recording device, the electrode wire being fixed to the recording device with the first end thereof, placing a glass tube over a second end of the electrode wire until reaching a cavity of the recording device, the glass tube and the recording device being fixed together; providing another electrode wire protruding from both sides of a base plate including a recess for the recording device, the other electrode wire being fixed to the base plate with its end protruding; providing a casing comprising first and second openings, the casing and base plate being sealed together, forming the housing; and guiding the glass tube through the recess in the base plate until it protrudes out of an opening in the casing and the recording device is inserted into the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Testo AGInventor: Andreas Derr
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Patent number: 7186325Abstract: A pressure-resistant reference electrode for electrochemical measurements includes both a half cell and a primary current bridge, provided for closing an electrochemical contact between the half cell and a measurement medium, which current bridge contains a primary electrolyte. The half cell has a reference electrolyte and a lead-off element, dipped into the reference electrolyte, which are disposed in a half-cell chamber that is provided with a primary junction leading to the primary current bridge and is otherwise embodied as medium-proof. The half-cell chamber furthermore has a flexible wall region, which is embodied such that a pressure difference between the primary current bridge and the half cell can be compensated for essentially without convection by the primary junction.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AGInventors: Ulf Paul Osterbrink, Rolf Thrier
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Patent number: 7074309Abstract: A heater is inserted into an inside chamber of a sensor element until a tip end of the heater is surely brought into contact with a bottom surface of the inside chamber. Next, a metallic holder is attached on an outside surface of the heater. Then, the metallic holder is slid along the outside surface of the heater toward the bottom surface of the sensor element to engage the metallic holder with an edge of the sensor element.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Isao Watanabe, Michihiro Yamakawa, Masanori Fukutani
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Patent number: 6951601Abstract: The oxygen concentration detector of the present invention includes a sensor element having a solid electrolyte and having an external electrode and an internal electrode provided on the external surface and the internal surface, respectively, and a heater provided adjacent to the internal surface of the sensor element, in which a high-emissivity layer consisting of a material having a high emissivity is provided on the internal surface of the sensor element and/or the surface of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Akio Tanaka, Naoto Miwa, Toshitaka Saito, Hiromi Sano, Kazunori Suzuki, Masaya Fujimoto
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Patent number: 6896780Abstract: The present invention relates to a microelectrode, a microelectrode array, and a method of manufacturing the microelectrode of which temperature can be controlled. The microelectrode comprises a sealed cavity formed in a silicon substrate for thermal isolation, a microheater formed on the sealed cavity, and an electrode heated indirectly by the microheater. According to the present invention, it is possible to manufacture with CMOS process the microelectrode and the microelectrode array which have excellent electric insulation and thermal isolation between a microheater and a silicon substrate, which has a small power consumption, which has high heating and cooling speed and which has no corrosion.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Hae Sik Yang, Chi Hoon Jun, Chang Auck Choi, Youn Tae Kim
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Patent number: 6888109Abstract: A heating device for a gas sensor, in particular for use in the exhaust gas analysis of internal combustion engines, including a heating element having an electrical resistor layer. The heating element is embedded in a first insulation which in turn is surrounded, at least in part, by a second insulation. The first and the second insulation have different porosities.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Detlef Heimann, Torsten Handler, Lothar Diehl, Dieter Lindauer, Dietmar Seizinger
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Publication number: 20040201371Abstract: A probe to measure particulates suspended in molten metal includes an inner tube forming a receiving chamber. The tube includes an orifice permitting molten metal to flow into the chamber. A gas passageway extends out of the tube for connection to a vacuum source. A first electrode including a first member extends into the chamber. A second electrode surrounds a portion of the tube. The first and second electrodes connect to a measurement device for measuring changes in the electrical potential produced by particulates passing through the orifice. A liquidus depressing material within the chamber lowers the liquidus temperature of the molten metal and permits a longer period for measuring particulates therein. A second member is connected to the gas passageway at a first end of the second member. A chill block spaced from the liquidus depressing material is attached to a second end of the second member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.Inventor: Richard F. Conti
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Publication number: 20040178069Abstract: A compact ceramic fuel property sensor comprises a plurality of laminated ceramic layers. The heater, temperature sensor, and capacitance measurement electrodes are embedded between the layers. The capacitance electrodes include interdigitated electrodes and fuel traps for containing a sample of liquid fuel disposed between the interdigitated electrodes. The dimensions of the fuel traps are selected so that the fuel traps remain filled with liquid after said sensor has been bathed in fuel. A method for monolithically preparing the sensors provides a reduced cost method and a sensor that can survive indefinitely in liquid fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Da Yu Wang, David K. Lambert
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Publication number: 20040173196Abstract: A device according to the present invention is provided with element temperature measurement voltage application circuit for temporarily applying a predetermined voltage for element temperature measurement to a sensor element of an air-fuel ratio sensor equipped to an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, first sensor output reading circuit for reading in a sensor output just before applied with the voltage, and second sensor output reading circuit for reading in a sensor output being applied with the voltage, wherein the element temperature of the air-fuel ratio sensor is estimated based on the sensor output just before applied with the voltage and the sensor output being applied with the voltage. Further, during internal resistance measurement of the sensor element of the air-fuel ratio sensor equipped to the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine, a voltage applied to the heater for heating the sensor element is maintained to be constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: UNISIA JECS CORPORATIONInventors: Hajime Hosoya, Koji Takahashi, Shigeo Ohkuma
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Patent number: 6740218Abstract: A gas sensing element comprises a solid electrolytic element, a measured gas sensing electrode provided on an outer surface of the solid electrolytic element, and a reference gas sensing electrode facing a reference gas chamber. A heater is accommodated in the reference gas chamber. A contact portion is provided on an outer cylindrical surface of the heater so that the contact portion is brought into contact with an inside surface of the solid electrolytic element defining the reference gas chamber. A heating peak position of the heater is in the vicinity of the contact portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kenji Fukaya, Masanobu Yamauchi
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Patent number: 6733643Abstract: A measurement apparatus, including a biosensor for carrying out measurement of a specified component in a liquid sample using an enzymatic reaction, a computation processing part for obtaining the computed value by computing an output signal of the biosensor, and a container for storing a calibration liquid for calibrating the biosensor, equipped with temperature control means (a heater 40, a thermostat 41) for keeping the calibration liquid at a constant temperature, saves an installation space by miniaturizing an apparatus, suppresses the running cost, and improves the measurement precision.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Toru Matsumoto, Toru Murakami
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Publication number: 20040084308Abstract: A low power gas sensor is provided for detecting one or more gases in a gas sample. The gas sensor includes a sensor for sensing a desired gas and a heater for heating the sensor. During operation, a controller provides power to the heater to heat the sensor to an operating temperature during a first period of time. Once at the operating temperature, the controller may read the sensor to determine a measure of the detected gas in the gas sample. Once a measurement is taken, and to conserve power, the controller removes the power to the heater allowing the heater and sensor to cool to at or near the ambient temperature for a second period of time. The second period of time may be longer than the first period of time, and in some cases, substantially longer. In some embodiments, the sensor and heater may be thermally isolated from some or all of the remainder of the gas sensor, such as the sensor substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Barrett E. Cole, Robert E. Higashi, Roland A. Wood
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Patent number: 6730199Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus (10) comprising essentially a support (11) wherein is placed a measuring card (12), a perfusion device (13), a thermostat (14), a measuring box (15) and a measurement management system (16). The measuring card (12) comprises an electrode array whereof one end emerges into the chamber and the other end is placed outside said chamber. The group of cells is placed in the chamber which is connected to the perfusion device (13). The support (11) comprises a connector (25) connecting the card (12) electrodes to the measurement management system (16) via the measuring box (15).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Inventors: Claude Hänni, Luc Stoppini
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Patent number: 6723216Abstract: A method for detection of a bubble in a liquid which is placed in a measuring chamber and is in contact with a sensor for measuring the partial pressure of a particular gas in a liquid is provided. The method includes performing a first measurement of the partial pressure of the particular gas in the liquid at a first pressure in the measuring chamber. Next, the pressure in the measuring chamber is changed to a second pressure. A second measurement of the partial pressure of the gas in the liquid at the second pressure in the measuring chamber is performed. An expected result of the second measurement based on the first measurement and assuming that no bubbles are present in the measuring chamber during any of the measurements is provided. The actual result of the second measurement is compared with the expected result and a conclusion is drawn on the presence of a gas bubble in the liquid based on the comparison. An apparatus for measuring the content of a particular gas in a liquid is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Radiometer Medical A/SInventors: Michael Taagaard, Allan Larsen
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Publication number: 20040050693Abstract: A system for determining a temperature of exhaust gases from an engine is provided. The system includes an exhaust gas sensor having an electric heating coil. The sensor communicates with exhaust gases from the engine. The system further includes an electrical circuit for generating a signal indicative of the resistance of the heating coil when the coil is not energized. Finally, the system includes a controller receiving the signal and calculating the temperature of the exhaust gases based on the signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Christopher K. Davey, David Robert Nader, Kenneth John Behr, Michael Igor Kluzner, Michael James Uhrich, Robert Joseph Jerger
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Publication number: 20040045822Abstract: An improved structure of a gas sensor is provided which has a cylindrical elastic insulator through which lead wires coupled to an external device such as a controller pass and connect with electrode terminals of a sensor element. The elastic insulator has formed therein a plurality of holes through which the lead wires pass. One of the holes is formed on a longitudinal center line of the elastic insulator. The other holes are arranged around the center one. This arrangement allows a large number of holes to be formed in the elastic insulator without sacrificing mechanical properties of the insulator such as strength, elasticity, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: Denso CorporationInventor: Takashi Kojima
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Publication number: 20040040842Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical analytical apparatus for analyzing an electrochemical deposition solution, comprising a testing electrode, and a temperature detector attached thereto for monitoring temperature of said testing electrode. Preferably, such temperature detector is a resistance temperature detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Mackenzie E. King, John W. Staples, Joseph W. Evans, Daniel O. Clark, Peter M. Robertson, Thomas B. Chatterton, Thomas Hartford
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Patent number: 6676818Abstract: For the reduction of internal stresses and formation of cracks caused thereby, an exhaust gas probe includes two measuring electrodes separated by a solid electrolyte layer made substantially of ZrO2 and a circuit-board conductor layer for electrically heating the solid electrolyte layer. The circuit-board conductor layer is firmly connected to the solid electrolyte layer via a first sealingly sintered insulating layer made of an Al2O3-containing material. A pore-forming material is added to the Al2O3-containing material before. sintering.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Jens Stefan Schneider, Detlef Heimann, Hans-Joerg Renz, Harald Neumann, Bernd Schumann, Lothar Diehl
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Patent number: 6660142Abstract: A nonfragile ad quickly activatable structure of a gas sensor element which may be built in a gas sensor employed in an air-fuel ratio control system for automotive vehicles for measuring the concentration of gas such O2, NOx, or CO. The gas sensor element is made of a lamination of a measurement gas electrode, a reference gas electrode, and a heater. The heater works to elevate the temperature of the gas sensor element up to a given value required to bring the gas sensor element into an activated condition. The heater includes a heater substrate, a heating element, and power supply leads. A minimum distance X between an edge of the heater substrate and an edge of the heating element meets a relation of 0.1 mm≦X≦0.6 mm, thereby minimizing a thermal expansion difference between the heater element and the heater substrate to avoid cracks in a portion of the heater substrate near the heater element.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tomio Sugiyama, Makoto Nakae, Shinichiro Imamura
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Patent number: 6660143Abstract: A sensor structure having a metallic terminal member. The metallic terminal member 23 includes press portions 23d and 23e, which press the heating member 3 in a direction intersecting the center axis of a hollow portion 2a of an oxygen detection element 2. Holding means for holding the heating member 3 is formed separately from the metallic terminal member 23. Thus, without use of special heating-member holder means, the metallic terminal member 23 can bring at least a portion of the heating member 3 into contact with the inner wall surface of the hollow portion 2a of the oxygen detection element 2.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shoji Akatsuka, Satoshi Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6652721Abstract: A sensor (1) for measuring O2 concentrations in liquids (2) has a working electrode (3), with a counterelectrode (4) and with a reference electrode (5), wherein the working electrode (3) and the counterelectrode (4) are in contact with the liquid (2). The reference electrode (5) is separated from the liquid (2) by a diaphragm (6). The reference electrode (5) measures a polarization voltage effectively acting at the working electrode (3) and is connected to a potentiostat regulating the potential between the working electrode (3) and the counterelectrode (4). The reference electrode (5), the working electrode (3) and the counterelectrode (4) are arranged coaxially to one another, wherein the working electrode (3) and the counterelectrode (4) are arranged around the reference electrode (5).Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Biotechnologie Kempe GmbHInventor: Eberhard Kempe
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Patent number: 6645360Abstract: A sensor element, having a ceramic body made of a laminate having at least one ceramic foil and having a heating element embedded in the ceramic body. At least the longitudinal edges of the ceramic body have a chamfer. The heat source formed by the heating element lies in the direction of the bisector of an angle which is enclosed by a chamfer's edge lying closest to the heating element. The chamfer is formed in such a way that the angle enclosed by the large surface side edge, is larger than an angle enclosed by a narrow side edge.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ulrich Eisele, Lothar Diehl
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Patent number: 6635161Abstract: A control circuit unit which enables an existing NOx sensor to serve not only as an NOx sensor but also as an oxygen concentration sensor by attachment to an existing NOx sensor. A control circuit unit 31 is connected to an NOx sensor 1. A first pump element control circuit 56 controls a voltage applied to a first pump element 3 so as to control the partial pressure of oxygen in a first processing chamber 9 such that an output voltage of an oxygen concentration detection element becomes substantially constant. A first pump current is detected using a current detection resistor 101 and is then output via an A/D converter circuit 65. A second pump element control circuit 57 applies a constant voltage to a second pump element 5 in a direction so as to pump out oxygen from a second processing chamber 10. A second pump current is detected using a current detection resistor 107 and is then output via an A/D converter circuit 65.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Inagaki
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Patent number: 6627059Abstract: An electrochemical measuring sensor for determining gas components and/or gas concentrations in gas mixtures, having a sensor element which has at least one signal-forming electrode having a supply lead of the signal-forming electrode and at least one electrical element whose electrical potential differs from the electrical potential of the supply lead of the signal-forming electrode. The supply lead of the signal-forming electrode is at least regionally surrounded by an electrically conducting shielding, so that fault currents appearing because of the potential difference between the supply lead of the signal-forming electrode and the electrical element flow at least predominantly between the electrical element and the shielding.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Carsten Springhorn
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Patent number: 6620315Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling and optimizing the feed of two or more oxidizers to an aqueous stream, thereby providing a synergistic effect. The system combines the use of amperometric or ORP based sensor technology with amperometric sensor technology employing a gas permeable membrane, thereby providing definitive control of each oxidizer feed stream.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: United States Filter CorporationInventor: Roy Martin