Condition Determining Device, E.g., Oxygen Sensor, Accelerometer, Ionizer Chamber, Thermocouple Patents (Class 439/913)
  • Patent number: 11695237
    Abstract: A connector comprises an inner conductor, an outer conductor basket and an annular abutment/alignment guide disposed therebetween. The inner conductor socket transmits RF signals from one connector portion to another connector portion across a mating interface. The outer conductor basket comprises a plurality of axially projecting fingers operative to electrically ground the connector. The annular abutment comprises an outwardly facing abutment surface and an alignment guide disposed integrally with the annular abutment. The alignment guide has a flanged end portion projecting: (i) radially outboard from an upper or forward end of the annular abutment and (ii) over the tip ends of each axially projecting basket finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Sawyer Urtz, Jr., Jeremy Charles Benn, Nic Olivares
  • Patent number: 8636532
    Abstract: In a gas sensor, when an arithmetical mean roughness Ra of an inner periphery of a metal tube 95 is 1 ?m or less and end portions 93 and 94 of U-springs 92 are formed as curved contact portions, the end portions 93 and 94 of the U-springs 92 can slide smoothly along the inner periphery of the metal tube 95. Therefore, when vibration is applied to the gas sensor, the U-springs 92 can be prevented from being caught in the inner periphery of the metal tube 95, and the vibration can be absorbed by an elastic function of the U-springs 92. Even if the gas sensor vibrates, defective contact between a sensor element 20 and contact fittings 71 and wear and cracks in the sensor element 20 are less likely to occur. That is, the gas sensor resistant to vibration can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Masuda, Hirohito Kiyota, Nobukazu Ikoma
  • Patent number: 8419464
    Abstract: A substrate structure is provided, the substrate structure comprising: a molded substrate located within a connector body of a coaxial cable connector and an electrical structure mechanically connected to the molded substrate. The electrical structure is located in a position that is external to a signal path of a radio frequency (RF) signal flowing through the coaxial cable connector. The electrical structure may form a sensing circuit configured to sense physical parameters such as a condition of the RF electrical signal flowing through the connector or a presence of moisture in the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: PPC Broadband, Inc., Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Noah Montena, Robert Bowman, Ryan Vaughan
  • Patent number: 8414326
    Abstract: A structure is provided. The structure includes a signal retrieval circuit formed within a disk located within a coaxial cable connector. The signal retrieval circuit is located in a position that is external to a signal path of an electrical signal flowing through the coaxial cable connector. The signal retrieval circuit is configured to extract an energy signal from the electrical signal flowing through the coaxial cable connector. The energy signal is configured to apply power to an electrical device located within the coaxial cable connector. The sensing circuit is configured to sense physical parameter such as condition of the RF electrical signal flowing through the connector or presence of moisture in the connector. The structure may include an integrated circuit configured to convert the parameter signal into a data acquisition signal readable by the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Robert Bowman
  • Patent number: 8376774
    Abstract: A structure is provided. The structure includes a signal retrieval circuit formed within a disk located within a coaxial cable connector. The signal retrieval circuit is located in a position that is external to a signal path of an electrical signal flowing through the coaxial cable connector. The signal retrieval circuit is configured to extract an energy signal from the electrical signal flowing through the coaxial cable connector. The energy signal is configured to apply power to an electrical device located within the coaxial cable connector. The structure may additionally form a sensing circuit with a status output component. The sensor circuit may be configured to sense physical parameters such as those related to a condition of the electrical signal flowing through the connector or a presence of moisture within the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Robert Bowman, Jean-Jacques Delisle
  • Patent number: 8376781
    Abstract: A recessed portion is provided into which an ultraviolet detecting device is inserted, and a case is provided for holding removably in the state wherein the ultraviolet detecting device is inserted into the recessed portion. A conducting portion is provided that is connected on one end to the electrode portion of the ultraviolet detecting device and wherein the other end is led out from the case. The recessed portion is provided with first through fourth protrusions which insert into grooves that are formed in the ultraviolet detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Watanabe, Motonori Futamura, Raita Mori
  • Patent number: 8303334
    Abstract: The metallic coupler circuit may form a sensing circuit with a status output component and configured to sense physical parameters of the RF electrical signal flowing through the connector or presence of moisture in the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bowman
  • Patent number: 8257115
    Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a jack having a mounting end and a mating. The mounting end is configured to be mounted to a card assembly. The mating end has jack contacts. A plug is provided having a mating end and a sensor end. The mating end has plug contacts. The mating end of the plug is configured to be inserted into the mating end of the jack such that the plug contacts engage the jack contacts. A sensor is provided having a lead. The lead is configured to be inserted into the sensor end of the plug to electrically couple the sensor to the card assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Michael David Herring
  • Patent number: 8152560
    Abstract: A receptacle assembly includes a housing having a front mating face and receptacles configured to receive plugs therein through the front mating face, where the plugs have connectivity pins attached thereto. The receptacle module includes connectivity sensor areas associated with the receptacles, where each connectivity sensor area is positioned adjacent the corresponding receptacle. Each connectivity sensor area has a first connectivity sensor and a second connectivity sensor that is electrically isolated from the first connectivity sensor when the plug is disconnected from the receptacle. Both the first and second connectivity sensors are configured to be engaged by different connectivity pins of the plug when the plug is received in the corresponding receptacle to form a sense circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Randall Malstron, Charles David Fry, Keith James McKechnie, Terry Patrick Bowen, Henry Otto Herrmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8142237
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to a measuring device for measuring a current flowing in a first cable. The measuring device includes a measuring shunt in the form of a plate connected in series with the first cable and associated with a measuring electronic card connected to a data transmission cable. The measuring shunt further includes a measuring portion of resistive alloy coupled to connection portions on either side of the measuring portion. The connection portions are integrally formed with the measuring portion, and the first cable is secured to at least one of the connection portions of the measuring shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignees: Johnson Controls Technology Company, Kromberg & Schubert GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bruno Condamin, Pascal Muis, Ghislain Bages
  • Patent number: 7994416
    Abstract: A set of electrical connector pins for a thermocouple includes two materially similar conductor pairs, each conductor pair having conductors composed of a different material, and carried by an electrically insulating connector housing. The different materials of the conductor pairs provide a partial compensation to the thermocouple EMF developed between the hot junction and the cold junction when engaged thereto for the different type thermocouples. The conductors of each pair are operable to engage with two thermoelement conductors that form a thermocouple of differing types. The thermocouples provide a hot junction electrical interconnection therebetween at one end and are coupled to a cold junction at another end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William C Schuh
  • Patent number: 7803022
    Abstract: A thermocouple connector has a first member and a second member which couples to the first member. The first member carries two first terminals for electrically joining to the respective ends of a pair of thermocouple wires. The second member carries two corresponding second terminals for electrically joining to the respective ends of a pair of thermocouple extension wires. Each first terminal contacts a respective second terminal when the first and second members are coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. MacKinnon, Paul A. Carney, Colin Bird
  • Patent number: 7798855
    Abstract: A connector for a sensor assembly having sensing element with a non-conductive body including a plurality of spaced conductive contact pads arranged on opposite faces. A plurality of terminal contacts, each of which is in contact with one of the contact pads are supported in overlying relation to the contact pads on carriers. A separable biasing containment bracket is disposed in surrounding relation to the carriers and includes spring elements urging the carriers and terminal contacts toward the contact pads. A retaining band is interposed between the carriers and the spring elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Ronald R. Gustin
  • Patent number: 7686651
    Abstract: The sensor module has four internal terminals that include a first ground terminal, a second ground terminal, an output signal terminal, and a power terminal, three external terminals are connected to the first ground terminal, the output signal terminal, and the power terminal, respectively, a sensor main body portion is obtained by molding the sensor module to which the external terminals are connected integrally in a insulating resin, and a connector connecting portion and a mount portion are molded integrally with the sensor module in this sensor main body portion. With this system, different orders of arrangement of the three external terminals may be formed while insuring that capacitors may be mounted between certain terminals without spanning other wiring patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Izuru Shinjo
  • Patent number: 7568940
    Abstract: A cable assembly (1) includes an insulated housing (2) having a base portion (21) and a mating portion (22) extending forwardly from the base portion; a plurality of terminals (3) received in the insulated housing; a retainer (214) formed on the base portion, said retainer defining a cavity (215) with a rear outlet; a sensor (7) accommodated in the cavity of the retainer; and a lid member (8) covering the rear outlet of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Ya Cheng, Su-Feng Liu, Bin Xu
  • Publication number: 20090124131
    Abstract: An adapter is disclosed that allows simplified connection of thermocouples to a data logger. In one embodiment, multiple thermocouple connectors are positioned within the adapter. The adapter then attaches to a data logger with a simple male/female connection scheme so that the multiple thermocouple connectors are simultaneously coupled to the data logger. The thermocouple connectors are already organized within the adapter so that each thermocouple is plugged into its proper location on the data logger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Rex L. Breunsbach, Philip M. Krebs, Paul M. Austen, Grant W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7524407
    Abstract: An oxygen sensor 10 includes an oxygen detection element 20, which assumes a hollow tubular shape extending along the axis. The oxygen detection element 20 has a closed tip end and an opened rear end. An internal electrode layer 23 is formed on an inner circumferential surface 22 of the oxygen detection element 20. The sensor 10 also has a terminal member 30 which is in contact with the internal electrode layer 23 and in electrical connection therewith. The terminal member 30 has press contact portions 34c and 34d which come into press contact with the inner circumferential surface 22 of the oxygen detection element 20 to hold the terminal member 30 in the oxygen detection element 20, and conduction portions 35b which come into press contact with the internal electrode layer 23 on the inner circumferential surface 22 of the oxygen detection element 20 and into electrical connection with the internal electrode layer 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Hirasawa, Shohei Yoshiyasu, Yoshiaki Matsubara
  • Patent number: 7425138
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for use in automation and process measurement technology, comprising an at least two-part compact housing having a sleeve-shaped housing bottom part and housing top part. According to the invention the housing top part and the housing bottom part are each made integrally from a creep-resistant material and have an overlapping region extending in an axial direction, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the housing top part and the housing bottom part is complementary at least in the overlapping region and the housing parts have an oversize relative to one another. The housing top and bottom parts are connected to each other by axial pressing forces with oversize loss in a media-tight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: ifm electronic GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Buhl, Nikola Natterer
  • Patent number: 7392068
    Abstract: The invention provides a power delivery system for a mobile device. The power delivery system includes a contactor device and a plurality of first electrical contacts on the contactor device disposed in an interspersed arrangement wherein first electrical contacts of one polarity are interspersed with first electrical contacts of a second polarity throughout the contactor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Tal Dayan, Ofer Goren, Dan Kikinis, William Ward Maggs
  • Patent number: 7322827
    Abstract: An electrical unit has first and second attached housing sections. The sections are movable relative to one another and include internal conduits and conductors that extend between the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny J. Frawley, Andrew A. Kuester, Zoltan Borbath
  • Patent number: 7318339
    Abstract: A gas sensor unit including a gas sensor and a sensor cap. The gas sensor includes a gas detecting element, an electrode provided on the gas detecting element and a sensor terminal connecting to the electrode for transmitting an output signal from the gas detecting element. The sensor cap is adapted for transmitting the output signal to an external device. The sensor cap includes a cap terminal electrically connecting to the sensor terminal and an enclosing member bonding to the gas sensor so as to form an internal space in cooperation with the gas sensor. The enclosing member includes a communicating hole through which the internal space is in communication with a space outside the gas sensor unit, and the communicating hole is gas-permeably and watertightly closed by a filter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisaharu Nishio, Takashi Nakao, Kazuhiro Kohzaki, Keiichi Adachi
  • Patent number: 7316575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a casing termination for an electronic casing, particularly sensor casing, with several contact elements for contacting a circuit received in an electronic casing, with a connecting cable having several conductors in each case connected to the contact elements, and with at least one lighting element, particularly a light emitting diode, for providing an optical display for a user. The casing termination is inventively characterized in that the contact elements and lighting element are housed in an at least partly transparent contact display module which, together with an end region of the connecting cable is at least partly surrounded by an at least partly transparent integrally manufactured envelope for mechanical stabilization and electrical insulation purposes and which is connected in tension-proof manner to the contact display module. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of a casing termination for an electronic casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Pepperl & Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Muschketat
  • Patent number: 7297016
    Abstract: A thermocouple connector arrangement that has a first connector configured to have a thermocouple probe lead extending therefrom and a second connector configured to have an electrical connection lead extending therefrom. Each connector has an interior configured to receive a terminus of the respective lead. The connectors include electrically conductive mating parts that, when mated, provide an electrical conduction path. At least one of the first and second connectors includes housing parts that mate in a snap-lock arrangement without the use of a threaded fastener to secure the housing parts together and to enclose the respective interior, one of the housing parts engages the respective terminus and secures the respective terminus against removal by shrouding an end of the respective conductive mating part and pressing the respective terminus into electrical contact with the respective conductive mating part during the mating of the housing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Marlin Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Allen Tymkewicz, Gary Kloock, Rodney Collins
  • Patent number: 7291023
    Abstract: A motor vehicle motion sensor assembly includes a daughter board assembly having an alignment feature, a circuit board having electronic components, and a housing element having a receiving feature for receiving the daughter board assembly. The circuit board is electrically connected with the daughter board assembly by a flexible electrical connector. The circuit board is further connected with an external circuit connector. The alignment feature of the daughter board assembly is adapted to engage the receiving feature of the housing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Still, Hans Graan
  • Patent number: 7138926
    Abstract: A sensor head component is configured for use with a monitoring tool assembly in the performance of one or functions as part of a monitoring process. The sensor head component is configured to include at least one electrical component for performing the function as well as a memory device upon which operational information for the component is storable. The sensor head component is further configured to include an elongated body within which the electrical component is positionable and a base portion connectable to the elongated housing which further provides for mechanical and electrical engagement in a port for the tool assembly through application of a linear force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: In-Situ, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent D. Henry, Mark A. Watson, Shanen Onken-Shaw, Todd Hochwitz
  • Patent number: 7102255
    Abstract: An external power adapter prevents damage to contacts of power connectors by reducing current in-rush when the powered-up external power adapter is coupled to an information handling system. A control signal from the information handling system is used to initiate a voltage output of the external power adapter such that substantially no voltage is present on the contacts of the power connectors until the control signal is detected by the external power adapter. The external power adapter may determine the presence of an electrical load before applying the output voltage to the information handling system. The output voltage may be ramped from substantially no voltage to operating voltage over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Ajay Kwatra, Robert Allen, Kwabena Asante
  • Patent number: 7084342
    Abstract: An apparatus and system is presented for partially compensating the cold junction of a thermocouple system using low cost semi-compensated conductors of system components accommodating various thermocouple types. The thermocouple system, comprises a thermocouple portion comprising two thermocouple types, each type composed of two different thermoelectric materials joined to form a hot junction, a semi-compensation portion comprising two substantially similar conductor pairs, each composed of a different material, wherein one conductor of each pair is composed of a material different than the thermoelectric materials of the respective thermocouple type of the thermocouple portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: William C. Schuh
  • Patent number: 7074089
    Abstract: A card connector system that detachably supports a PC card and electrically connects the PC card to an electrical device. The system includes a temperature sensor to monitor temperature of the PC card to prevent the deleterious effect of heat generated by the PC card on the PC card itself and the electrical device. The sensor detects the surface temperature of the supported PC card and transmits the obtained temperature information to the electrical device. In this case, it is preferable that a transition board 33, electrically connected between the PC card and the electrical device, is used to transmit the temperature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Motomo Kajiura, Ryosuke Takahashi, Hiroshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 7040922
    Abstract: An electrical interconnect apparatus has a mounting member with a plurality of sides. The mounting member is formed from an insulator as a cuboid. Moreover, the mounting member also may be formed from a flexible circuit. Among other things, the plurality of sides includes an interface side. At least two of the plurality of sides are in electrical communication with the interface side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Kieran P. Harney, Lawrence E. Felton, Lewis Long
  • Patent number: 6994558
    Abstract: A system for fixing an electrical connector (16) to a disk-brake caliper (10) comprising a wear sensor electrically connector to the electrical connector is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianpaolo Cortinovis
  • Patent number: 6978754
    Abstract: A system for retaining a sensor on an injection molded intake manifold that uses a twist-lock connection within the receiving port. The sensor body has outwardly projecting lugs that pass between inwardly projecting lugs in the receiving port. The face of the manifold is formed with external guiding projections around the receiving port that direct insertion of the sensor into the receiving port in a specific first, unlocked orientation, and permit rotation of the sensor to a second, locked orientation. After the sensor is rotated to the locked orientation, attachment of an external connector, such as a wire harness, prevents the sensor from being rotated back to the first, unlocked orientation by interfering with the external guiding projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Nick A. Cicone
  • Patent number: 6913477
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrical coupling device. The coupling includes a contactor device and a plurality of electrical contacts which close an electrical circuit between the contactor device and an adaptor device when the adaptor device is brought into physical contact with the contactor device, there being no need for aligning for the electrical contacts of the contactor device with electrical contact of the adaptor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Mobilewise, Inc.
    Inventors: Tal Dayan, Ofer Goren, Elliott J. Stein, Dan Kikinis
  • Patent number: 6905362
    Abstract: An apparatus for connection of a rapid charging system to an electric vehicle includes a connector plug that is attached to an electrical cable at one end that is, in turn, connected to a charging system at the remaining end of the cable. The connector plug is adapted to fit into a mating receptacle that is attached to the electric vehicle. A pair of cavities in the connector plug are adapted to receive any combination of modules that include switches, lights, or blank filler plugs. The connector plug is preferably molded from rubber. Various contacts are described having high current, or signal, or pilot functions and which mate with various length pins in the mating receptacle so as to sequence the order in which electrical conductivity is attained. Temperature sensing of the connector and shutdown subsequent to an over-temperature condition is described and allows for the use of smaller sized electrical connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Roger C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6866545
    Abstract: An electrical cordset for connecting a sensor connector used with a piston position sensor located within a high pressure environment and a control system. The cordset is an electrical conductor having a standard industry connector to connect to the sensor connector and includes a casing intermediate the ends of the cordset to contain and seal therein signal conditioning circuitry to condition signals passing through the electrical conductor. The signal conditioning circuitry includes a circuitboard and a potting compound fills the casing and seals the signal conditioning circuitry fully within the casing to protect the circuitry from the hostile external environment and affix the electrical conductor to the casing. The affixation of the casing to the electrical conductor is further accomplished by use of grommets that are sealed to the electrical conductor and interfit within openings in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Glasson
  • Patent number: 6848924
    Abstract: A connection member for flexible plastic fluid lines (11), whose wall contains at least electrical line strand (13). A female socket (15) for the plastic line (11) is connected with an inner fluid duct (28) in the connection member (10). The female socket (15) possesses a coupling means (22) for electrical connection with the at least one electrical line strand (13) in the plastic line (11). At least one connection cable (29) mounted to the side on the connection member (10) connects a sensor arrangement (30), which is arranged on an end of the cable remote from the connection member (10) electrically with the coupling means (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventor: Herbert Frisch
  • Patent number: 6780060
    Abstract: A card connector system that detachably supports a PC card and electrically connects the PC card to an electrical device. The system includes a temperature sensor to monitor temperature of the PC card to prevent the deleterious effect of heat generated by the PC card on the PC card itself and the electrical device. The sensor detects the surface temperature of the supported PC card and transmits the obtained temperature information to the electrical device. In this case, it is preferable that a transition board 33, electrically connected between the PC card and the electrical device, is used to transmit the temperature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Motomo Kajiura, Ryosuke Takahashi, Hiroshi Masuda
  • Patent number: 6761590
    Abstract: A small and compact coupler plug for a planar broadband lambda probe includes a housing having a basic body and a cover element as well as electrical components, which can be inserted into the housing and fixed in place, as well as an adjustment unit for a probe, in particular a planar broadband lambda probe, the adjustment unit being arranged within the coupler plug or outside the coupler plug via a further contact element. The cover element can be mounted over the balancing unit, and primary and secondary locking devices that cooperates with the cover element may be provided, the secondary locking device being configured as a fixing element to fix in place at least one electrical contact that is inserted in the housing, and this fixing element also having support elements that point to the cover element, such that the cover element closes in the end position of the secondary element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Heinrich Maue, Wolfgang Pade
  • Patent number: 6590777
    Abstract: A control unit incorporating a pressure sensor has a case body with an upper opening, incorporating a printed circuit board on which a pressure sensor and a plurality of control circuit components are mounted, and a lid to close the case body. A connector box extending outward is attached to one sidewall of the case body. The pressure sensor is disposed in the vicinity of the connector box. A first pressure passage is integrally formed with the lid, being opposed to the pressure sensor. A second pressure passage communicating with the first pressure passage is integrally formed with the lid, extending in the same direction as the connector box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignees: Keihin Corporation, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Morino, Sumitaka Ogawa, Tomosada Anma
  • Patent number: 6554649
    Abstract: In order to create a very small and compact embodiment of a coupler plug, in particular for a planar broadband Lambda sensor, a coupler plug is created for connecting a cable harness to a Lambda sensor. The coupler plug includes a housing, namely a basic element and a cover element. The coupler plug also includes electrical components that can be inserted into the housing and can be fixed in position. Additionally, the coupler plug includes an adjustment element for a sensor, in particular a planar broadband Lambda sensor, which can be arranged in the coupler plug or can be provided outside the coupler plug via a further contact element. Part of the coupler plug is designed as a contact carrier. Electrical contacts of the coupler plug and the adjustment element are pre-mounted on the contact carrier. It is possible to separate the contact carrier, along with the electrical contacts and the adjustment element, from the rest of the coupler plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Pade
  • Patent number: 6406307
    Abstract: Multiple annular electrical connectors are each positioned floatably through a respective aperture of a tray. A shield plate is secured over the tray by bolts which thread into a cylinder head. The shield plate has holes centered above the apertures for access to spark plugs disposed below. Each annular electrical connector is centered about an annular pressure sensing device which encompasses the spark plug. The inboard side of the electrical connector is in electrical contact with the outboard side of the sensing device beneath the tray. Insulated wires extend between the tray and shield plate from each electrical connector and connect to a common panel mounted electrical connector at one end of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Bungo, Mark C. Sellnau, Anthony Joseph Corso
  • Patent number: 6210036
    Abstract: An aircraft ground connector is described for delivering electrical power to aircraft parked at airports. The connector includes a thermal sensor arrangement which is positioned in the normal insulating body of such connector, which sensor reacts to a rise of temperature in such body higher than a predetermined temperature by cutting off the flow of electrical power through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventors: Gerald P. Eberle, Alan J. Janis
  • Patent number: 6106327
    Abstract: A sensor connection assembly for connection to a sensor in an internal combustion engine includes a connector housing and a flexible printed circuit disposed in the connector housing and having a plurality of legs to contact the sensor to provide an electrical connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Edward Martin Bungo
  • Patent number: 5823802
    Abstract: An electrical connector is plugged onto an electrical device that has a hollow sleeve and an annular bonnet that has an outer electrical contact ring. The electrical connector includes an annular insulator, a lower elastomeric seal ring, a combination seal and contact member, a shielded conductor to carry an electrical signal out of the electrical connector and a flanged metal guard ring. The combination seal and contact member has a non-conductive elastomeric annulus and a conductive elastomeric portion that are co-molded to provide a unitary annular part. The annulus has a flanged upper end that is bonded to the flanged guard ring and a thinner lower end that has a plurality of axially spaced circumferential flexible sealing lips that biasingly engage the bonnet above the outer electrical contact ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Michael Bartley
  • Patent number: 5741072
    Abstract: A temperature sensor element in a temperature-measuring device using a thermocouple having excellent insulation property and having a simple assembly procedure is provided. The temperature sensor element comprises a temperature-measuring means consisting of a heat-resistant protective tube having a thermocouple inserted therethrough, compensating conduction means having connecting sections which connect a pair of extension sections of a thermocouple element extending from the protective tube respectively, and support means to join and hold mutually the temperature-measuring means and the compensating conduction means. The end of the protective tube and the compensating conduction means are held under the condition that they face the support means and that the extension sections of the thermocouple element and the connecting sections of the compensating conduction means are inserted into holding chamber means provided in the support means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Kawaso Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ishine Yamaguchi, Toshiyuki Kitaura, Hidekazu Ikemoto
  • Patent number: 5727421
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing liquid and gas proof sealing between a metal rod and a plastic housing molded there around. The rod includes a plurality of annular intrusions or protrusions along a length thereof. The plastic material is formed around the rod and the annular intrusions or protrusions. After the plastic material has cooled the rod is translated linearly with respect thereto whereby the annular intrusions or protrusions cause a cold flow movement or disruption of the plastic material. This movement results in a liquid and gas tight sealing between the rod and the plastic housing. The invention herein has particular application for liquid level sensing probes located within gas pressurized vessels. In such examples the rod or rods are used for sensing liquid level by means of electrical conductivity with the sensed liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5492482
    Abstract: A compact isothermal connector for a thermocouple temperature measurement system has electrical contacts with thermal mass sufficiently larger than the thermal mass of the corresponding contacts of a corresponding thermocouple connector to provide for improved settling times and measurement accuracy. The contacts are thermally coupled to a multi-layer printed circuit board containing layers of embedded thermally conducting material to achieve sufficient thermal coupling between the contacts. The contacts have sufficient thermal mass to achieve a desired settling time. A temperature sensor is thermally coupled to the printed circuit board and to each electrical contact to sense the temperature of the isothermal connector and provide the temperature information to a temperature measuring instrument to correct for measurement errors from the connector junction voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Lockman, Monte R. Washburn, Howard T. Voorheis, Warren H. Wong
  • Patent number: 5355883
    Abstract: An electrode connector, for example a connector for electrocardiogram electrodes, has a connection head made from a material that is a good conductor of electricity, a contact member made from a material that is a good conductor of electricity and that is adapted to contact the connection head, a member for snap-fastening the connector to the connection head, an electrically insulative material protective cap at least partially enclosing the contact member and an electric cable comprising at least one electric conductor connected to the contact member. The electrode connector further comprises a device for detecting strain generating artefacts and comprising a strain sensor accommodated in the cap between at least part of the contact member and at least one interior area of the cap. At least one other electric conductor is connected to said strain sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventor: Gilles Ascher
  • Patent number: 5167519
    Abstract: A universal connector including a housing of molded thermoplastic having a pair of slots in a side thereof for receiving therein plugs or wires of various shapes and sizes for connection with the connector and a slot for receiving therethrough a stud. A pair of copper blocks are positioned adjacent each other with a pair of beryllia washers and a temperature sensor therebetween. One block includes a pair of plain apertures extending entirely through the block. The other block includes a pair of threaded apertures extending entirely through that block. These apertures are aligned with the washers. The blocks also include opposing grooves which, together, form an aperture. A pair of nylon screws are threaded into the threaded apertures to secure the blocks into tight frictional engagement against the washers and the temperature sensor. A copper wire is secured to the block and a copper wire is secured to the block to provide electrical connection between the blocks and an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Transmation, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur B. Jones, David R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4983271
    Abstract: Excellent electrical connection between a female contact and an electrode terminal of an oxygen sensor can be assured for a long period of use even when the oxygen sensor is exposed to vibrations and/or humid atmosphere, by providing an oxygen sensor, comprising electrodes, a sensor element which generates an electromotive force or which changes its electric resistance value between the electrodes depending on oxygen concentration of a gas to be measured, electrode terminals arranged on the sensor element and connected to the electrodes, and a metallic accommodating member accommodating the sensor element, comprising; a female contact electrically connected to the electrode terminal; a ceramic housing electrically insulating the female contact from the metallic accommodating member; a resilient member pressing the ceramic housing; and a caulking ring pressing the resilient member to exhibit its resilient power; the female contact, the ceramic housing, the resilient member and the caulking ring forming a conse
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhide Kato, Masanori Katsu
  • Patent number: 4944692
    Abstract: Electrical plug-in connectors with modified jaws to receive a conducting blade therebetween. Electrical connection is improved by increasing the curvature radius of a generally S-shaped contacting jaw's free end and/or its spring bias toward a cooperating rigid jaw end, and by providing a flat contacting surface on the face of such free end to parallel a flat contacting surface on the rigid jaw end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventor: Edward F. Allina