Instrument Casing Patents (Class 73/431)
  • Patent number: 8109143
    Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for a sealed housing for downhole transducers. The housing system includes a housing body and a transducer positioned within the housing body, and one or more flexible members sealably mounted on the housing body. The flexible members each have one or more undulations which facilitate movement of the flexible member in directions primarily perpendicular to the surface of the flexible member. The dimensions of the one or more undulations are designed so as to optimize the ability of the movements of the member thereby accommodating volume changes in the sealed housing. A substantial amount of compensating material can also be positioned within the housing body. The compensating material has a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially less than that of the housing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Heong Tan, Noriyuki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8104342
    Abstract: An instrument for measuring a parameter comprises a substrate, a plurality of sensors carried by and distributed across a surface of the substrate that individually measure the parameter at different positions, an electronic processing component carried by the substrate surface, electrical conductors extending across the surface connected to the sensors and the electronic processing component, and a cover disposed over the sensors, electronic processing component and conductors. The cover and substrate have similar material properties to a production substrate processed by a substrate processing cell. The instrument has approximately the same thickness and/or flatness as the production substrate. The instrument may be subjected a substrate process and one or more parameters may be measured with the instrument during the process. The behavior of a production wafer in the substrate process may be characterized based on measurements of the parameters made with the one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Mei H. Sun, Mark Wiltse, Wayne G. Renken, Zachary Reid, Tony DiBiase
  • Publication number: 20110309841
    Abstract: A modular sensor system for continuous measurement of analytes in continuous flow has a fluidic module, a sensor module, an optional reference module, and a cover part which are stacked on top of each other and firmly connected with each other so as to be releasable. The fluidic module includes a fluid duct having an inlet and an outlet. The sensor module includes a sensor compartment which has at least one sensor and is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module. The optional reference module is in fluid communication with the fluid duct of the fluidic module by means of a diaphragm. The cover part seals the sensor module or the reference module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: BURKERT WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Oberndorfer, Katrin Rudolph, Michael Winkler
  • Publication number: 20110303013
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wear plate assembly for NDT/NDI probes which provides sufficient protection for the probe being wrung against test objects, desirable acoustic performance meeting the requirements for versatile ultrasonic inspections while providing a mechanism that allows the transducer to be put into or taken out conveniently. The wear plate protects probes from being pieced, worn or structurally deformed albeit being thinner than a wavelength of the acoustic echoes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Kass, Matthew Edward Stanton, Thomas J. Nelligan
  • Publication number: 20110303006
    Abstract: A retractable assembly for a sensor, which determines a physical and/or chemical, process variable in a process medium. The retractable assembly has a housing, in which a tubular holder for accommodating the sensor is arranged such that it can be moved linearly by a drive unit. At least one cascaded cylinder is provided for the linear shifting of the tubular holder, wherein the cascaded cylinder comprises at least two cylinders arranged one after the other in the direction of the stroke movement. Furthermore, the cascaded cylinder is, or the cascaded cylinders are, embodied and/or operable in such a manner that the sensor is movable into at least two different positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbh + Co.
    Inventors: Ingrid Wunderlich, Thomas Pfauch
  • Patent number: 8074516
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-axisymmetric radome according to various aspects of the present invention include a non-symmetric housing for a forward portion of a projectile. Multiple sensors may be positioned in an off-axis configuration within the non-symmetric housing reducing the possibility of one sensor interfering with the operation of another sensor. The non-symmetric housing may also be configured with a strengthening member suitably adapted to provide additional resistance to bending moments caused by external loading along a surface of the non-symmetric housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Andrew B. Facciano, Brian J. Gowler, James L. Kinzie, Quenten E. Duden, Blake R. Tennison, Adam P. Cherrill
  • Patent number: 8072737
    Abstract: A device for use in an environment where flammable gases may be present, the device including a sealed water proof exterior housing, and an interior explosion proof, sealed housing made of polycarbonate, mounted inside the exterior water proof housing. An electrical component is inside the interior sealed housing, and an intrinsically safe battery is outside of the interior housing but electrically connected to the component inside the interior housing. The battery is also mounted inside the exterior housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: James Clinton Glover
  • Publication number: 20110290016
    Abstract: A sensor device has a structural element, a carrier element and a housing, the structural element being situated on the carrier element, and the structural element and the carrier element being situated at least partially within the housing. The sensor device also has an intermediate housing, which is situated essentially between the housing and the structural element, the intermediate housing including a premold housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Volker Dietrich, Martin Schuerer
  • Patent number: 8061199
    Abstract: A measurement system having a first and second seal to create a sealed interface with a fluid and further having a rupturable barrier configured to relieve pressure when the pressure imparted to the first seal is less than the pressure imparted to the second seal, is disclosed. More particularly, the pressure relief element, which may be a rupturable barrier, is configured and positioned so that the second seal pressure limit is less than the first seal pressure limit. The primary elements of the system include the system housing, a sensing element having a first seal, with the sensing element within the housing, a second seal in fluid communication with the first seal, and a barrier that is rupturable when the pressure on the first seal is less than the pressure on the second seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Ametek, Inc.
    Inventors: Jules Joseph DiRienzo, Jr., Kevin G. Hafer, John Emiljan Naghski, Travis Darrell Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20110247413
    Abstract: A sensor has a corpus comprising an insert opening through which a sensor element can be inserted in the corpus, and a cable opening for passing through a supply and/or signal line of the sensor element and a cover closing the insert opening. The cover comprises an interlock opening aligned with the cable opening. The supply and/or signal line comprises a bushing element which penetrates the cable opening of the corpus and the interlock opening of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Yevgeniy Vinshtok, Michael J. Mcgowan, Peter Breh
  • Patent number: 8015873
    Abstract: A duct detector housing includes a housing cover and a housing body defining a midline between the center of a detector and a printed circuit board within said body. Gas inlet and outlets are off axis of the midline to allow water that collects in conventional housing to drain from the housing. A maintenance mode button associated with a duct detector housing cover that is secured to a housing body of the housing provides a preselected time period during which removal of the cover is independent of a cover removal alarm. A printed circuit board within the housing has dedicated terminal blocks providing grouped connections with each of the groups segregated from another. An improved duct detector terminal has a hole in the terminal adapted to receive a test meter probe therethrough to provide an electrical contact between the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: David L. Hall, Peter Stouffer, James E. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 8015020
    Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for providing a mechanical bond and an improved water vapor seal between a lens (11, 41) and a base (17, 47) in an instrument housing (10, 40), includes heating the components and a hot butyl rubber sealant (18, 58) prior to assembly, maintaining a level of heating for the assembly during assembly, dispensing the heated sealant (18, 58) into a channel (25, 65) to form a ring-shaped body of sealant (18, 58), assembling the lens (11, 41) to the base (17, 47) and pressing a lower edge (11a, 41a) of the lens (11, 41) into the ring of sealant (18, 58) and bending an upper edge (17b, 47b) of the side wall (17a, 47a) over a portion (11b, 41b) of the lens (11, 41). The method is applied in a second embodiment to an instrument having at least two signal conductors (55) entering the base (47) at two entry points. Apparatuses manufactured with the method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Paul Walding, Jr., John E. Laubach, Andrew J. Paese
  • Patent number: 8006555
    Abstract: A cap member for covering a sensor unit such as a rotational speed sensor is composed of a cylindrical wall, a thin bottom wall and an open end to be closed with a closing member. The cap member is formed by molding a resin material. Molten resin is injected into a cavity formed by an inner die and an outer die. After the injected resin is cooled, the inner die is separated from the molded cap member. If the molded cap member adheres to the inner die, it would be difficult to separate the inner die from the cap member by pulling out the inner die in the axial direction. A structure anchoring the cap member to the outer die is formed on an outer surface of the cylindrical wall. The anchoring structure may be formed in a shape of a ring or rings surrounding the center axis of the cap member. Alternatively, the anchoring structure may be formed in a shape of a depressed groove or grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Minoru Tokuhara
  • Publication number: 20110203369
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a supporting element and a sensor element attached to the supporting element and having a main plane of extension. The supporting element has (i) at least one contact element for electrical contacting of the sensor system and (ii) at least one relief structure for stress decoupling, the at least one relief structure being situated in a plane parallel to the main plane of extension essentially between the at least one contact element and the sensor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Holger Hoefer, Uwe Hansen, Michael Knauss
  • Patent number: 7992437
    Abstract: A liquid level detector for conductive liquids for vertical installation in a tank, the detector having a probe positioned within a sheath and insulated therefrom by a seal so that the tip of the probe extends proximate to but not below the lower end of the sheath, the lower end terminating in a rim that is provided with notches, said lower end being tapered, the taper and notches preventing debris collection and bubble formation, said lower end when contacting liquid as it rises will form an airtight cavity defined by the liquid, the interior sheath wall, and the seal, the compression of air in the cavity preventing liquid from further entry into the sheath and contact with the seal. As a result, the liquid cannot deposit a film to form an electrical bridge across the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Eugene M. Tshishiku
  • Publication number: 20110185812
    Abstract: Method for fixing a functional component (2) in a housing (4), such that in a first step a first housing portion (1) is prepared, in which a functional component (2) to be fixed is arranged in a provisional fixing position, characterized in that in a second step a second housing portion (3) is arranged in contact with the first housing portion (1) so that the functional component (2) to be fixed is arranged in a joining direction (X) between the first (1) and the second (3) housing portions; and in a third step material from at least one housing portion (1, 3) between the first (1) and second (3) housing portions is melted in such manner that the functional component (2) between the first (1) and second (3) housing portions is gripped in a specified fixing position by them when a material-integral bond is formed between the housing portions (1, 3). Also proposed is an arrangement which can be produced by the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Dirk RASCHKE
  • Publication number: 20110185811
    Abstract: A test rack for a storage device testing system includes a plurality of test slot carriers. Each of the test slot carriers includes a plurality of test slot assemblies. The test slot assemblies are configured to received and support storage devices for testing. The test rack also includes a chassis. The chassis includes a plurality of carrier receptacles for releasable receiving and supporting the test slot carriers. The test slot carriers are interchangeable with each other among the various carrier receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Brian S. Merrow, Valquirio N. Carvalho, John P. Toscano
  • Patent number: 7987713
    Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes: a package housing a vibrator to sense an angular velocity; a mounting portion mounting the package, the mounting portion having a first terminal for making a connection with the package; a second terminal for making an external connection, and a resin portion covering the first and second terminals so that a part of the first terminal and a part of the second terminal are exposed; and a cover having a joint portion made of a metal and covering the package, the cover being fixed to the mounting portion by joining the joint portion to a joint terminal made of a metal and provided to the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Tamagawa Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ota, Masanori Yachi
  • Patent number: 7987712
    Abstract: A seal assembly for an optical sensor employed in a high temperature environment is disclosed which includes an elongated metal guide tube having a distal end portion defining an open distal end and an inner rear wall, a sapphire window disposed within the distal end portion of the metal guide tube, the sapphire window having a rear end surface abutting the inner rear wall of the distal end portion of the metal guide tube, and a platinum mounting sleeve for securing the sapphire window to the metal guide tube, the platinum mounting sleeve having one portion joined to the metal guide tube and another portion joined to the sapphire window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Myhre, Joseph R. Michel
  • Publication number: 20110174071
    Abstract: A sensor housing cover and a method for manufacturing such a sensor housing cover are described. The sensor housing cover is made up of a base cover having at least one opening. The base cover is extrusion-coated with a first plastic in such a way that the first plastic constitutes at least one element of the sensor housing cover and is positively connected to the base cover via the at least one opening. In the manufacturing process, the base cover is provided and then enclosed by a mold. The first plastic is injected into the mold to manufacture the at least one element of the sensor housing cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Ronny Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20110174072
    Abstract: Perfectioning on a measurement pendulum for stored grains mass in which a pendulum type measurer (1) formed by a protection structure (2), holds sensors (3) in its inside that have the direct interface with the outside through one or more transversal passages (4), provided of a porous protection (5) in order to measure the desired variables from the interstitial air that crosses the porous protection (5), and represents the grains characteristics in the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Otalicio Pacheco Da Cunha
  • Patent number: 7980132
    Abstract: A sensor assembly is discussed. The sensor assembly may include a housing. The housing may include an inlet port and an outlet port. The sensor assembly may also include a sensing element disposed within the housing and extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end towards a second end. The sensing element may include heating elements. The sensor assembly may also include a sleeve circumferentially disposed about the sensing element. The sleeve may include a first passageway on a first side of the sensing element and a second passageway on an opposite second side of the sensing element. The first passageway and the second passageway may be longitudinal passageways extending along a length of the sensing element. The sleeve may also include an inlet orifice on one side of the sleeve and an outlet orifice on an opposite side of the sleeve. The inlet orifice may fluidly couple the inlet port with the first passageway and the outlet orifice may fluidly couple the outlet port with the second passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Ray Gustin
  • Publication number: 20110154897
    Abstract: An instrument apparatus, includes a tachometer having a chaptering plate provided at a front surface thereof; a display unit arranged at the front surface of the chaptering plate; a printed circuit board arranged at a rear surface of the chaptering plate and driving the display unit. The display unit includes a projecting portion projecting toward the chaptering plate and a male terminal provided at a top end of the projecting portion. The chaptering plate includes an insertion hole formed into a similar shape as an outline of the projecting portion, in which the projecting portion is inserted. The printed circuit board is arranged at a position, in which an insert direction of inserting the projecting portion through the insertion hole and the printed circuit board intersect, and includes a female terminal to be fitted and electrically connected with the male terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7966880
    Abstract: Encapsulated devices that can adjust the damping level within are provided. In this regard, a representative encapsulated device, among others, comprises a bottom substrate, a middle substrate that is disposed above the bottom substrate, and a top substrate that is disposed above the middle substrate. The middle substrate comprises an outermost structure and at least one damping device. The at least one damping device is supported to the outermost structure. At least one top gap and a bottom gap are formed between the at least one damping device and the top and bottom substrates, respectively. The at least one top gap has at least one cavity depth that is adapted to adjust the damping level of the encapsulated device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Wenhua Zhang, Robert G. Walmsley, Peter George Hartwell
  • Publication number: 20110132085
    Abstract: A piezoresistive pressure sensor that uses a protective gel to protect the piezoresistive device is susceptible to lead wire failure by vibration-induced waves in the protective gel. Such waves can be reduced and the device made more robust by the use of three-dimensional structures in the gel, which are configured to reduce and/or re-direct vibration-induced pressure waves in the gel. The structures are referred to as “breakwaters” in that they protect lead wires and lead wire connections from wave fronts and the damage that wave-induced pressure on the lead wires causes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: TEMIC AUTOMOTIVE OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jen-Huang Albert Chiou, Jakob Schillinger, David Manfredi
  • Publication number: 20110132086
    Abstract: A waterproof sensing device including a base, a rear cover, a sensing module, and a lens is provided. The rear cover is selectively rotatably disposed on the base, wherein the rear cover has a side wall to enclose an accommodation space. The sensing module is disposed in the accommodation space. The lens covers the rear cover on the edge of the side wall of the rear cover and seals the accommodation space. A waterproof treatment is disposed between the lens and the edge of the side wall, such that moisture is prevented from intruding into the accommodation space to cause damage, no matter where the sensing device is disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: EMCOM TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: CHU-LI WANG
  • Patent number: 7946171
    Abstract: An analysis device is provided comprising a housing having at least two housing parts, a measuring unit and a processor provided therein for purposes of the functionality of the analysis device and generation of analysis data, wherein the device comprises a lock element for producing a generally fixed mechanical connection between the at least two housing parts. Providing such a lock element allows the analysis device to be checked for quality control and/or functionality purposes before the lock element is fitted to the housing, and if the device requires service or repair as a result of such checks then the housing can be reopened without damage to the housing or other aspects of the device. Once the lock element is fitted into a locked position for locking the housing together, subsequent reopening of the housing causes structural effects, including damage or destruction, to either or both of the lock element and the housing or housing parts, ensuring that such reopening becomes apparent to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Meinecke, Stefan Riebel, Wolfgang Pelzer, Wouter Reubzaet
  • Publication number: 20110113887
    Abstract: With a certain pipeline, either buried or deposited on a sea/lake bottom, the formation of critical faults is determined and localized, which arise in the walls of the pipeline, or the development of an already localized fault is monitored, through sensors regularly distributed along the pipeline, and fixed to the same by means of a plate equipped with a pass-through hole in which the sensor is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: ENI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gianpietro De Lorenzo, Giuseppe Giunta
  • Publication number: 20110107834
    Abstract: To assemble a sensor array having plural sections, the sections of the sensor array are sealably attached, where the sections include sensors and cable segments. An inert gas is flowed through at least one inner fluid path inside the sensor array when the sections of the sensor array are being sealably attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Pete Howard, Anthony Veneruso, Fabien Cens, Frederic Pauchet
  • Publication number: 20110088467
    Abstract: A sensor mounting cover is for a rolling-contact bearing and includes a transverse wall and an axial projection joined to the transverse wall and provided with a through-seat for housing a sensor. The sensor faces the bearing from a window defined by an inner edge of the seat and a closure element is associated with the axial projection and is arranged at least around the inner edge so as to close the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Andrea Serafini
  • Patent number: 7927559
    Abstract: A disposable assay device that assays one or more samples, and transmits assay data or information to a remote receiving system. The device is provided with one or more assay context sensors configured to monitor one or more assay context factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Peter Bodlaender, Wilhelmus Gijsbert Johannes Joseph Stut, Erik Petrus Nicolaas Damen
  • Patent number: 7913559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a casing assembly of a monitor. The monitor includes a casing, a cover and a connecting arm. The casing has a first end and a second end. The second end has a plurality of fixing portions. The cover is provided with a plurality of fixing elements that correspond to the fixing portions and are fixed to each other. These fixing elements can be operated manually. One end of the connecting arm is rotationally connected with the second end of the casing; and the another end of the connecting arm is fixed to the cover thereon so that the cover can be opened or closed manually without any tools at the second end of the casing, and prevent the cover from falling off or being lost easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Everfocus Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: Ching-Tsung Pan
  • Publication number: 20110067492
    Abstract: A measuring device comprises a sensor module and an evaluation module mounted on the sensor module. The sensor module includes a first component having a first screw thread, and the evaluation module includes a second component having a second screw thread. The screw threads engage with one another by screwing; wherein the first or the second component has a slit, which essentially extends into the component in a plane perpendicular to the thread axis; and there are formed by the slit a first clamping limb and a second clamping limb of the component, which are separated from one another by the slit. On the component there is furthermore arranged an actuating element, which acts on the first clamping limb and the second clamping limb, and deflects the clamping limbs relative to one another, whereby the first screw thread and the second screw thread are clamped against one another and secured against rotation relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser + Co., KG
    Inventors: Vito-Giuseppe Di Cosola, Jurgen Tanner
  • Publication number: 20110061473
    Abstract: This application is directed to a probe used for measuring groundwater characteristics such as temperature and conductivity, and for collecting a groundwater sample. The probe also has a shielding device that allows the probe to be driven into a hard underwater surface without damaging the probe. A deployment rig for accurately placing the probe into the underwater surface is also disclosed. The application is further directed to a method for placing a probe and measuring groundwater characteristics. An external screen membrane used with the probe allows accurate groundwater characteristic measurement by filtering particulate matter. The probe and external screen membrane allow for in situ measurement and monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald J. Paulsen, David B. Chadwick, Gregory Jon Groves, Christopher Smith
  • Publication number: 20110011180
    Abstract: An enclosed sensor assembly (10) for permanent mounting within a road (12) flush with the top surface (14) thereof, has a housing 16, a sensor 38 and an upper cover (44). The housing (16) has a flat bottom portion (20); first side wall portions (22) and second side wall portions (32). The first side wall portions (22) are attached to the flat bottom portion (20) at the periphery (24) thereof, which, together with the flat bottom portion, defines a sensor enclosing pocket (26) having an upper interface portion (30). The second side wall portions (32) are attached to the first side wall portions (22) and laterally extend from the first side wall portions so as to define at least one lateral epoxy receiving pocket (34). Optionally, dead spaces (36) adjacent the sensor pocket (26) are provided which help isolate the sensor pocket against entry of epoxy (30). The sensor (38) installs in the sensor pocket (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: John WILSON
  • Patent number: 7863519
    Abstract: The invention relates to electrical sensors, which are tight against longitudinal water, and to a process for a simple and cost efficient manufacture, with a tightly closed housing, a sensor element, at least one cable leading out of the housing, wherein the electrical conductors of the cable in the housing comprise a massive cross section without a cavity at least in one longitudinal section, a conductor seal seals the massive cross section against the lead insulation, a lead seal seals the lead insulation against the jacket of the cable, and against all other jackets, and a jacket seal seals the cable jacket against the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: ASM Automation Sensorik Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Manfred Steinich
  • Patent number: 7841293
    Abstract: A display instrument (1), in particular, for a motor vehicle, has a housing (2) retaining a cover disc (3) and a connector element (10), connecting the housing (2) and the cover disc (3) which engages in a housing recess (11), arranged on the housing (2). A secure connection of housing (2) and cover disc (3) for the display instrument (1) may be achieved, whereby the connector element (10) is arranged in the housing recess (11) and a disc recess (12), corresponding to the housing recess (11) on the cover disc (3), under tension. In the method for production of the display instrument (1), the connector element (10) is introduced under tension into the housing recess (11) and the disc recess (12) such as to connect the housing (2) and the cover disc (3) together. The method for disassembly of the display instrument (1) is based on pressing the connector element (10) out of the housing recess (11) and/or the disc recess (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Adams
  • Patent number: 7836764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a sensor chip and a structure housing the sensor chip. The structure is covered by a mold compound and is fabricated from a ceramic or a glass material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Horst Theuss, Albert Auburger, Terje Skog, Jean Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7832253
    Abstract: A portable weather resistant gas chromatograph system with a gas chromatograph enclosure having a body and a movable door and a seal, a gas chromatograph with a frame assembly removably secured in the enclosure, a plurality of exhaust gas lines connected to the gas chromatograph, an explosion proof terminal box with circuit breakers and terminals mounted to the enclosure, a communication conduit and armored power cable between the explosion proof terminal box and the gas chromatograph, a purge gas conduit port for the gas chromatograph, a pedestal for the enclosure, and at least two lifting eyes connected to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Solarcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell N. Haun, Donald N. Haun
  • Patent number: 7832269
    Abstract: A combinational sensor system for measuring multiple measurands includes a flow transducer, a pressure transducer and a humidity transducer. The pressure and humidity transducers are provided with independent access to sensed media and are ratiometric to a supply voltage, whereas the flow sensor is sensitive to openings to the flow path. The combinational sensor system utilizes elastomeric seals that include patterned electrically conductive and non-conductive seals. An ASIC is generally associated with the combinational sensor, and is located on a patterned electrically conductive substrate lead frame or for signal conditioning in order to detect any of the sensed measurands. The transducers can be arranged in a manner that distributes the transducers to optimize the accuracy and response time of the combinational sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul P. Bey, Jr., Craig S. Becke, Jamie W. Speldrich, Christopher M. Blumhoff
  • Publication number: 20100275687
    Abstract: A housing for a measuring equipment receiving a measurement apparatus includes a body, a predetermined area of which is open, a first door combined with the body to cover at least a portion of the open predetermined area of the body, and a second door combined with the body to cover at least a portion of the open predetermined area of the body. A display unit is installed on the second door to be rotated from a first face toward a second face. Thus, a space required to install the display unit may be reduced, and a viewing scope of the display unit may be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: KOH YOUNG TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Seung-Chul Han, Woo-Young Lim
  • Publication number: 20100269590
    Abstract: A sensor system, in particular an acceleration sensor system, includes a sensor element and a cover element, at least one side of the sensor element having a covering provided by the cover element, and the cover element being at least partially designed as an infrared-protection element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Sebastian GUENTHER, Nicolaus Ulbrich, Volker Materna
  • Publication number: 20100263444
    Abstract: A system and device that provides for the retention of a sensor shield for a sensor such as a microphone, hydrometer, chemical sensor, or other detector. This invention provides for the quick attachment and release of a reduced visibility and reduced bulk shield retention assembly. In a battlefield environment, a smaller profile sensor shield presents less visibility as a prospective target of interest to enemy forces. Also, the sensor shield may be readily replaced without the use of any tools. The snap-lock feature provides a positive means for holding, for example, a windscreen in its respective position, requiring reasonable, but yet not objectionable force to install and remove the windscreen from the sensor's mounting shaft. Furthermore, the snap-lock feature, when engaged, may provide positive location of the sensor shield's sweet spot by maintaining a slight air space between the sensor shield and the sensor, and thereby precluding direct physical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: AAI Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Karmazyn
  • Publication number: 20100257930
    Abstract: A sensor housing for a field device includes a housing body and a solar module that may be put in place and removed. The solar module supplies the field device with electrical energy and may be placed on top of the housing body at various angles of rotation, as a result of which at the same time an electrical contact between the solar module and an energy storage device is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Andreas ISENMANN, Volker ALLGAIER, Josef FEHRENBACH, Thomas DECK, Guenter KECH
  • Patent number: 7810381
    Abstract: A hydrostatically compensated soil resistance probe includes a cylindrical body having a distal tip for insertion into a material, a plurality of load gates for transitioning an axial load on said cylindrical body to a shear load, and a plurality of shear load sensors to measure a transverse loading on said probe due to an axial loading. The axial loading can be the result of the resistance on the probe tip to the insertion of the probe in the soil, or the frictional forces acting on a friction sleeve as the probe passes through the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Gregg Drilling & Testing, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Boggess
  • Patent number: 7805992
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging and operating a gas sensor for use in high temperature gas environments. A gas sensor can be configured, which includes a sensor element and a housing in which the sensor element is located. A parallel gas path can be configured form said housing, wherein said parallel gas path is based on the natural differential pressure with respect to the velocity of said gas. The parallel gas path is preferably vertical to provide a sufficient friction to soot particles compared to the gas, such that when a partial quantity of said gas reaches said sensor element, said soot particles are avoided by said sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Palani Thanigachalam, Saju Ramachandran, Ramsesh Anilkumar
  • Patent number: 7802472
    Abstract: A probe assembly for an instrument of the type having a housing is disclosed. The probe assembly includes a body having an anchor end for attaching to the housing and a sensor end, wherein at least a portion of the body is formed of an elastically deformable material. The probe assembly also includes a sensor assembly at the sensor end with a protective cap that protects the sensor assembly from impact and permits the sensor assembly to be in direct contact with the environment surrounding the probe assembly. The probe assembly further includes a signal cable assembly having a connector for coupling the sensor assembly to the instrument. The probe assembly also includes a pliant plug for facilitating the coupling of the connector with the sensor assembly, wherein the flexible plug thermally insulates the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Richer, Brian Aikins
  • Publication number: 20100229627
    Abstract: A protective equipment 100 for the particulate matter detection device includes a bottomed cylindrical protective equipment main body 4 having a cylindrical trunk portion 1 and a bottom portion 3 which closes one end 2 of the trunk portion 1, and there are formed a gas introduction port 5 which extends through a wall of the trunk portion 1 and through which the gas can flow from the outside to the inside and a gas discharge port 6 which extends through a wall of the trunk portion 1 at a position facing the gas introduction port 5 and through which the gas can be discharged from the inside to the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Egami, Takeshi Sakuma, Masahiro Tokuda, Atsuo Kondo
  • Publication number: 20100223995
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus is disclosed, which includes: a terminal; an electronic component that is connected with a first end part of the terminal; an insulating resin that seals the electronic component and the terminal, with a second end part of the terminal being exposed from the insulating resin; a case resin that is mixed with a conductive filler, and seals the insulating resin so that a first portion of the second end part is exposed from the case resin and a second portion of the second end part is covered by the case resin; and a coating material that is formed on the second portion of the second end part to electrically insulate the terminal from the case resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuya Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100206068
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage apparatus for a measurement probe for use with a coordinate positioning machine. The storage apparatus has at least one receptacle for a measurement probe. At least one receptacle connector is provided for electrical connection with at least one probe connector on a measurement probe located in the receptacle. The at least one receptacle connector is configured such that it can be displaced so as to disconnect it from the probe connector of a measurement probe located in the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventors: Andrew Geoffrey Butter, David Adams